Many women who could become pregnant receive ketamine for psychiatric conditions, but risks to a developing fetus are frequently overlooked. A survey of U.S. outpatient ketamine clinics found that fewer than half discuss pregnancy-related risks during informed consent, only 20% require pregnancy tests before treatment, and just 13.7% recommend or require contraception. A record review at one academic medical center showed all patients were tested weekly for pregnancy, but only half used contraception. The findings indicate a need for greater attention to reproductive health in ketamine treatment protocols.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy may hold promise for anorexia nervosa, a serious and often treatment-resistant illness. Although research has focused on adults, anorexia frequently begins in adolescence, and early onset is linked to more severe illness, greater psychiatric comorbidity, and more life difficulties. The authors argue that exploring the theoretical potential of this therapy for adolescents is warranted, considering biological implications, developmental stage, and consent. They propose adaptations to adult treatment models and discuss emerging models that address the unique challenges of adolescent patients.