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.
Politics & Policy
January 24, 2026
Sarah Kratina, Robert Schwartz, Carol Strike et al.
2 citations
End-of-life psychological distress is not adequately addressed by current interventions in Canada. Stakeholders view psychedelic therapies as a potential option, though evidence is limited and evolving, with mixed opinions on safety and appropriateness. Federal regulations provide only limited access amid cautious regulatory changes. Provincial efforts in Alberta and Québec have made progress: Alberta adjusted regulations and insurance coverage, while Québec covered family physician costs for administering psychedelic interventions. Sociopolitical factors, including the judicial process and underground market, may significantly influence policy development. Political barriers remain significant despite partial merging of problem, policy, and politics streams.
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.
Social science & medicine (1982)
February 1, 2026
Sarah Kratina, Carol Strike, Robert Schwartz et al.
A scoping review of 59 studies on six types of psychedelic substances for end-of-life psychological suffering found extraordinary variety in how these interventions are studied. Case study designs were most common. Interventions ranged from dosing alone to preparation, dosing, and integration, or dosing with psychotherapeutic support outside the tripartite model. Most studies reported challenging experiences, with many considering them therapeutic. Outcome measures spanned biopsychosocial-spiritual domains, with affective and cognitive-affective sub-domains most often assessed. Neurobiological mechanisms were reported in 54% of studies, psychological in 51%, and spiritual in 44%, indicating diverse therapeutic processes. The variability reflects an early, exploratory phase and differences in beliefs about how these interventions effect change.