A pilot study of NHS psychiatrists found that while 77.2% believe there should be a role for controlled or therapeutic use of psychedelics, psychiatrists at all levels do not feel prepared to deliver psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Trainees were better informed than non-training grade psychiatrists. Thematic analysis of focus groups revealed three main themes: need for knowledge, openness to change, and uncertainty. The study suggests that significant training needs and both professional and societal shifts are required before psychedelic-assisted therapy could become a mainstream treatment option in psychiatry.
A phase 1 trial tested escalating intravenous doses of the psychedelic DMT (SPL026) in healthy volunteers who had never used psychedelics, to find a safe, tolerable dose for a future trial in people with major depressive disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to placebo or one of four doses (9, 12, 17, or 21.5 mg). The drug was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Higher blood levels of DMT correlated with stronger ratings of mystical experience, ego dissolution, and intensity, though these trends need confirmation in larger studies. Based on safety and pharmacodynamic results, 21.5 mg given as a two-phase infusion was chosen for the patient trial.