Special considerations for evaluating psilocybin-facilitated psychotherapy in vulnerable populations
Neuropharmacology May 13, 2022 Cynthia E. Ortiz, Haley Maria Dourron, Noah W Sweat et al. 26 citations
Psilocybin-facilitated psychotherapy may be effective across many mental health conditions, but vulnerable populations, who carry a disproportionate mental health burden, have been largely excluded from clinical research. This report highlights the need to include these groups in studies, considering their problematic historical context and differential experiences with psychedelics. It offers actionable recommendations for future research, such as improved recruitment strategies, careful communication of subjective effects, building therapeutic alliance, multicultural competence, and flexible study designs. The authors call for expanded and improved research in this rapidly advancing field.