The historical opposition to psychedelic research and implications for credibility in psychiatry.
CNS spectrums November 21, 2024 Elena Koning, Elvina M Chu, Elisa Brietzke 5 citations
Psychedelics alter consciousness and have been used for centuries by indigenous communities, but only recently studied as therapeutic tools in psychotherapy. Since the early twentieth century, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has been explored for neuropsychiatric conditions with rigid thought patterns and treatment resistance. This emerging field has faced opposition from mid-twentieth century counterculture associations, media sensationalism, legislative restrictions, and scientific criticisms like 'breaking the blind' and 'excessive enthusiasm.' This perspective article examines that historical opposition and its implications for the field's credibility. Drawing lessons from history can aid clinical research in psychiatry amid drug policy reform.