Journal of Pain Research
March 1, 2024
Christopher L. Robinson, Alexandra Fonseca, Efemena Diejomaoh et al.
32 citations
Psychedelics may help reduce pain symptoms associated with various chronic pain conditions, but more rigorous research—specifically randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials—is required to determine their effectiveness for chronic, non-cancer pain.
Journal of pain research
January 1, 2024
Christopher L Robinson, Matthew Slitzky, Michael E Schatman et al.
4 citations
Psychedelics, historically used in cultural and medicinal contexts, are regaining attention in clinical research, especially for psychiatric conditions like refractory depression, despite their Schedule I status. With chronic pain posing a major health problem and few non-opioid treatments available, psychedelics are being explored as alternative therapies. The National Institutes of Health now funds this research, marking a shift from past limited support. Ethical concerns are significant, particularly for vulnerable populations with chronic pain that impairs autonomy. Researchers must navigate complex regulatory landscapes involving the FDA and DEA. Transparent collaboration among patients, researchers, and regulators is essential. The authors propose using principle-based research ethics—autonomy, beneficence, justice, and nonmaleficence—to guide responsible progress, balancing therapeutic promise with ethical integrity.