Mind the Psychedelic Hype: Characterizing the Risks and Benefits of Psychedelics for Depression
Psychoactives April 16, 2024 Daniel Meling, Rebecca Ehrenkranz, Sandeep M. Nayak et al. 26 citations
Psychedelic research has returned after a period of suppression, but media coverage now often overstates benefits as much as it once overstated risks. The actual evidence is more mixed than commonly portrayed, so conclusions about effectiveness remain preliminary. Poor communication may mislead patients and misinform policy. This article reviews studies on psychedelics for depression, noting that effect sizes for other depression treatments—cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, SSRIs, and ketamine—have decreased over time as trials improved. The authors suggest the same may happen for psychedelics: larger, better-controlled trials will likely show smaller, more realistic benefits. Clear communication is essential to set public expectations and guide policy.