The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
February 1, 2024
Anthony Rodgers, Dilara Bahceci, Christopher G Davey et al.
8 citations
The repurposing of generic racemic ketamine for severe depression has been delayed and uncoordinated for over 20 years due to insufficient commercial incentives, while a patented intranasal formulation (Spravato) gained widespread registration through substantial commercial investment. Spravato costs $600-$900 per dose compared to about $5 per dose for generic ketamine, and an annual government investment of approximately AUD$100 million in Australia was rejected twice, leaving the treatment largely inaccessible. Emerging evidence suggests generic ketamine is at least as effective as Spravato, but no comparative trials have been conducted. Without systemic reforms—including commercial incentives, public funding, reduced regulatory barriers, and coordinated international support—this pattern will repeat with new psychedelic treatments.
Headache
February 1, 2026
Faraidoon Haghdoost, Dilara Bahceci, Candice Delcourt et al.
Many people with cluster headache lack effective treatments. An online survey of 202 Australian adults with cluster headache found that 35% rated their treatments as not at all or somewhat ineffective, and 27% reported only partial effectiveness. The main treatment challenges were ineffectiveness (74%), side effects (54%), cost (53%), and access difficulties (39%). Among participants, 62% expressed interest in joining future clinical trials, with psilocybin being the highest-ranked treatment (66% very interested), followed by combination therapies (84% very interested or interested). The findings highlight inadequate treatment options and a strong patient interest in research, particularly on psilocybin and combination therapies.
Drug and alcohol dependence
July 1, 2025
Dilara Bahceci, Krista Siefried, Maureen Steele et al.
Among 268 people who used methamphetamine, nearly half had a diagnosed mental illness and were at risk of suicide, and most had taken other substances besides methamphetamine and psychedelics. Most psychedelic experiences were unplanned, recreational, and combined with other drugs. After the experience, about 59% reported improved mood, 50% improved social functioning, and 34% reduced methamphetamine use. Planning the experience and having less challenging experiences were linked to better outcomes. The findings suggest that psychedelic use may improve mood and social function and reduce substance use in this population, but highlight the importance of context and setting.