Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews
July 1, 2026
Marcus J Glennon, Catherine I V Bird, Prateek Yadav et al.
2 citations
Setting up a psychedelic research study involves a long, arduous, and Kafkaesque process with many unstandardised challenges. These complexities challenge existing assumptions about psychiatric prescribing, the placebo effect, and definitions of selfhood. This review brings together major UK psychedelic research teams to formalise these unique considerations, addressing sociocultural, political, legal, pharmacological, safety, study design, and experiential facets. It identifies continuing areas of debate and provides a practical, experience-based guide with recommendations for policymakers and future researchers intending to set up a psychedelic study or clinical trial.
Open Science Framework
October 20, 2025
Natalia Fernandez-Vinson, Roger Atkins, Marcus Glennon et al.
This registered clinical study investigates whether N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), alone or combined with reactivating alcohol-related memories, can produce lasting changes in the brain, cognition, and drinking behavior in people with mild alcohol use disorder who are hazardous drinkers but not seeking treatment. Up to 120 participants will be assigned to one of four groups: alcohol memory retrieval plus DMT, alcohol memory retrieval plus placebo, control memory retrieval plus DMT, or control memory retrieval plus placebo. Drinking levels will be measured over three lab sessions and a nine-month follow-up using timeline follow-back and blood tests.
arXiv Preprint Archive
March 28, 2025
Marcus J. Glennon, Catherine I. V. Bird, Prateek Yadav et al.
Setting up a psychedelic study is a long and complex process that presents unique challenges not yet standardized. This review brings together major UK research teams to formalize these considerations, identify ongoing debates, and provide a practical guide for researchers and policymakers. It addresses challenges to existing assumptions about psychiatric prescribing, the placebo effect, and definitions of selfhood. The paper can be read end-to-end or used as a manual with sections for specific needs.