A systematic review of 25 studies found that psychedelics (psilocybin, ayahuasca, and LSD) produce a quick and substantial reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and addiction that lasts for several months, sometimes after a single dose. Studies included randomized controlled trials, open-label trials, and long-term follow-ups, with no severe adverse events reported. However, most studies were descriptive or open-label with small sample sizes. The evidence suggests psychedelics are promising treatments that are well tolerated, but effects need confirmation in larger trials and comparison with standard care.
Physicians in France perceive the use of psychedelics as carrying notable risks. In a survey of 407 clinicians, average ratings on 1–5 Likert scales were 3.05 for general risk, 2.68 for self-harm risk, 2.47 for aggression risk, 2.71 for addictive risk, 2.76 for psychiatric disorder risk, and 2.11 for somatic disorder risk. Younger physicians were more likely to see therapeutic potential, while general practitioners were less likely than specialists to consider psychedelics a treatment. Clinicians who viewed psychedelics as having therapeutic potential associated them with lower risks.