February 28, 2026
preprint
Mescaline, a classic serotonergic psychedelic used ceremonially by Indigenous peoples, shows preliminary safety in healthy humans under controlled conditions, producing dose-dependent subjective effects with moderate, transient autonomic stimulation and no serious medical complications. Adverse effects are generally self-limited, and pooled safety analyses and observational data support an overall favorable safety profile in screened populations. However, there is a lack of controlled clinical trials evaluating mescaline in patient populations, so its safety in individuals with cardiovascular, metabolic, or psychiatric comorbidities remains unclear. Controlled clinical trials are needed to establish its safety and therapeutic potential.
Translational Psychiatry
February 27, 2026
Alex Gearin, Jennifer Docherty, Xiaofan Sun et al.
1 citation
Psychedelic-assisted therapies show clinical promise for reducing depression and anxiety in patients with life-limiting illness, but most protocols reflect Euro-American values. Using Chinese palliative care as an example, the commentary argues that cultural factors such as family-centered decision-making, spiritual beliefs, and stigma will shape how these therapies work in different settings. Cultural humility—ongoing self-reflection, sensitivity to power dynamics, and openness to diverse worldviews—is essential for psychedelic therapy, where patient experiences depend on context and meaning-making. Efficacy is not solely biochemical but also cultural; addressing this translational gap requires humility toward how situated beliefs, norms, and practices interact with psychedelic pharmacology.
American Journal of Therapeutics
February 20, 2026
Burton J. Tabaac, Kenneth Shinozuka, Anne Weisman et al.
5-MeO-DMT, an ultra-short-acting psychedelic, shows promise for treating depression that does not respond to other therapies, as well as other psychiatric conditions. This evidence supports the need for larger randomized controlled trials to further investigate its effectiveness.
BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
February 18, 2026
Luca Magnani, Luca Ghirotto, Fabio Fesce et al.
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy shows promise as a therapeutic option for palliative care, and further rigorous, interdisciplinary research is needed to ensure its implementation is grounded in anthropological and ethical considerations, extending its potential beyond oncology to other palliative settings.
Journal of Affective Disorders
February 12, 2026
Erica Kaczmarek, Nelson Rodriguez, Noah Chisamore et al.
Anhedonia, a core symptom of depression that often resists standard treatments, may be reduced by psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP). In a secondary analysis of a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial, 30 adults with treatment-resistant depression (major depressive disorder or bipolar II disorder) received one 25 mg dose of oral psilocybin plus psychotherapy. Anhedonia severity, measured by the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale, decreased significantly at the 2-week primary endpoint, with clinically meaningful improvements persisting at 3 and 6 months. The analysis adjusted for sex and age. These preliminary results suggest PAP could be a promising intervention for anhedonia in treatment-resistant depression, though larger placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings and clarify underlying mechanisms.
Psychopharmacology
February 7, 2026
Rebecca J Simpson, Mario F Juruena
1 citation
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) shows promise for treatment-resistant depression, with reductions in depressive symptoms sustained up to six months in some cases. However, among the three studies with control groups, no significant differences were found between KAP and control conditions. Methodological heterogeneity across the 11 included studies—including variability in treatment protocols, outcome measures, and study designs—limits the ability to draw firm conclusions or identify mechanisms driving KAP's effects. More rigorous research, particularly randomized controlled trials, is needed to better understand its efficacy and mechanisms.
Psychiatry research
February 2, 2026
T Aboulafia-Brakha, A Buchard, C Mabilais et al.
1 citation
In a real-world clinical setting, a single session of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with either LSD or psilocybin was well tolerated and linked to significant reductions in depression and anxiety among adults with treatment-resistant disorders. Symptoms improved substantially, with large effects for depression and moderate effects for anxiety. Cognitive changes included less self-blame, rumination, and catastrophizing, along with more positive refocusing and reappraisal. Adverse effects were mild and temporary, with no serious complications. The findings suggest that both substances can be effective and safe in specialized routine care.
Journal of affective disorders
February 2, 2026
Alene Sze Jing Yong, Aimée Freeburn, Suzie Bratuskins et al.
Australia became the first country to allow authorized prescribing of MDMA for PTSD outside clinical trials. Interviews with 21 clinicians, researchers, and patients who had direct experience with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy or PTSD revealed eleven themes, including the importance of expectation management, comprehensive baseline screening, shared decision-making, flexible treatment protocols, ongoing consent, strong therapeutic alliance, and post-treatment continuity of care. The findings emphasize the need for safeguards, provider training, and integration of care as MDMA-assisted psychotherapy enters clinical practice.
Australian Journal of General Practice
February 1, 2026
Anthony Helman
1 citation
Since July 2023, Australia has made two psychedelic medicines available in the private sector for psychotherapeutic treatment, allowing general practitioners to refer patients with treatment-resistant depression or PTSD. These medicines can help patients access subconscious emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and traumatic memories that are otherwise difficult to reach. Meta-analyses of clinical trials have shown substantial effect sizes, though not everyone is suited to or will respond to this treatment. GPs can expect to play a role in referring and supporting patients, as ongoing trials continue to clarify the indications, efficacy, and safety of psychedelic therapy.
Neurologic clinics
February 1, 2026
Mina Ansari, Sophie I Elliott, Sophie E Holmes et al.
1 citation
Placebo effects in depression treatment trials are substantial and can obscure the true efficacy of new drugs, especially for psychedelic-like compounds. Expectancy, the therapeutic setting, and trial design all interact to shape patient outcomes. This review examines these factors and discusses emerging methods to mitigate, measure, or harness placebo effects in future research on rapid-acting antidepressants and psychedelic therapies.