Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
June 1, 2024
Ryan Yermus, John Bottos, Nathan Bryson et al.
13 citations
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) produces sustained reductions in anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms lasting up to 5 months after the last session. In a retrospective study of adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or PTSD who received KAP across 11 North American clinics, large treatment effects were detected at 3 months (Cohen's d = 0.75-0.86) and sustained at 6 months (d = 0.61-0.73). Case reductions ranged from 39% to 41% at 3 months and 29% to 37% at 6 months. However, high attrition rates (82% at 3 months, 95% at 6 months) may limit validity of the results.
Healthcare policy = Politiques de sante
May 1, 2023
Sarah Kratina, Christopher Lo, Carol Strike et al.
8 citations
Canada is moving toward enabling access to therapeutic psychedelics. Federal initiatives now allow case-by-case requests for psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) to treat enduring and intolerable psychological suffering (EIPS) linked to life-threatening conditions. Renewed research, promising clinical trial results, public and media interest, and recognition of traditional Indigenous use have shifted the narrative around these stigmatized substances. The lack of access to PATs for EIPS, particularly at end of life, is presented as a public policy problem needing attention.
medRxiv
January 17, 2023
Ryan Yermus, Michael Verbora, Sidney H. Kennedy et al.
2 citations
preprint
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) produced large and sustained reductions in depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms for up to six months after treatment. In a retrospective trial of 1806 adults with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD, effect sizes at three months ranged from 0.75 to 0.86 and were maintained at six months (0.61 to 0.73). Between 39% and 41% of patients showed case reductions at three months, and 29% to 37% at six months. A minimal clinically important difference was reported by 50% to 75% at three months and 48% to 70% at six months. The treatment involved 4 to 6 guided ketamine sessions with psychotherapy.
PloS one
January 1, 2025
Sarah Kratina, Carol Strike, Robert Schwartz et al.
1 citation
Psychedelic substances show growing therapeutic potential for easing psychological suffering at the end of life, yet policy remains restrictive. Existing reviews have mostly covered psilocybin for anxiety and depression, but have not adequately addressed the range of substances (ayahuasca, psilocybin, ketamine) and therapeutic approaches (psychedelics alone or with psychotherapy) used specifically in end-of-life populations. This scoping review will follow Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines to search health science databases for empirical studies on psychedelic interventions, psychological suffering, and end-of-life issues. Extracted data will cover intervention details, participant characteristics, outcomes, and theorised mechanisms to inform future care strategies.
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology
March 1, 2026
Ana Deutsch, Luis E. Contreras, Sarah Kratina et al.
Mystical-type experiences induced by psychedelic therapy are commonly linked to reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, according to a scoping review of 13 clinical trials involving 410 participants. Among studies with life-threatening disease populations, 80% reported a positive relationship between mystical-type experiences and mood improvement, compared to 63% of studies with depressive populations. The review suggests this relationship may depend on factors like timing of symptom assessments and therapeutic context. Future research should examine variables affecting mystical-type experiences and other aspects of set and setting to optimize positive outcomes.
October 27, 2023
Sarah Kratina, Christopher Lo, Robert Schwartz et al.
preprint
A scoping review protocol describes plans to comprehensively map the range of therapeutic psychedelic interventions reported in populations coping with life-threatening illness and end-of-life issues. The review will follow Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines to search for studies on psychedelic substances, psychological suffering, and end-of-life concerns. Data will be extracted on intervention details, participant characteristics, outcomes, theorized mechanisms, and sociocultural context. The insights aim to inform discussions about the role of psychedelic interventions for end-of-life populations.