“We don’t want to run before we walk”: the attitudes of Australian stakeholders towards using psychedelics for mental health conditions
Public Health Research & Practice September 10, 2023 Breanne Kunstler, Liam Smith, Christopher J. Langmead et al. 13 citations
Australian politicians and stakeholder representatives are cautiously optimistic about using psychedelics to treat mental health conditions, but hesitancy persists due to perceived inadequacy of research into efficacy and feasibility. Politicians consistently report that negative stigma prevents them and their peers from supporting psychedelic use. Effective, evidence-based messaging that refutes misconceptions and provides clear information is needed to improve knowledge and challenge attitudes, biases, and emotions influencing the debate. Both groups agree that insufficient evidence exists to support widespread clinical implementation in Australia, and additional research with clear presentation is required before clinical use can be supported.