Psychiatric Services
October 14, 2020
Brian Holoyda
10 citations
Public policy changes in the United States, including decriminalization in Oakland and Denver in 2019, alongside a resurgence in research, suggest psychedelic compounds may become viable treatments for psychiatric conditions. Psychiatrists should be central to prescribing and managing psychedelic therapy due to risks of adverse psychological and medical effects. The literature on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy offers guidance for handling patient treatment sessions.
The journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
March 1, 2020
Brian Holoyda
8 citations
Recent research into psychedelic compounds for psychiatric conditions has revived interest in their effects outside clinical trials. Data on psychedelic use and interpersonal violence remain limited. While 1960s work by Timothy Leary did not show reduced criminal recidivism with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, newer studies suggest psychedelics may lower individuals' risk of interpersonal violence. Forensic psychiatrists should understand this research and how psychedelics might factor into forensic assessments. The article covers basic information on psychedelic substances, their effects and mechanisms, historical and recent research on psychedelics and criminal behavior, and offers a practical method for evaluators to assess psychedelic use in forensic contexts.
Psychiatric Services
January 1, 2023
Brian Holoyda
7 citations
Psychedelics can fundamentally alter consciousness, creating unique legal risks for psychiatrists who incorporate them into practice. Key malpractice concerns include the absence of standards of care, risk of harm, inappropriate treatment, and the doctrine of respondeat superior. Psychiatrists also face potential civil claims such as battery and intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress. To safely provide psychedelic treatments, psychiatrists must understand and mitigate their risk of malpractice and other civil claims.
June 1, 2023
Brian Holoyda
4 citations
No Summary
Current Psychiatry
January 1, 2021
Brian Holoyda
1 citation
A 65-year-old man with a long history of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and social phobia, whose personality is high in neuroticism, had been treated for decades with psychotherapy and various antidepressants, finding bupropion most helpful. After being diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer and given six months to live, he quickly developed severe depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts despite continuing bupropion. His psychiatrist referred him to a trial of psilocybin for anxiety and depression in terminally ill patients. Recent research suggests psychedelic agents might help treat anxiety, depression, and other disorders.