Am J Bioeth
January 13, 2025
Tahlia R. Harrison, Sonya C. Faber, Manzar Zare et al.
22 citations
Psychedelic-assisted therapy raises urgent ethical concerns, particularly regarding power imbalances that can lead to sexual abuse. This paper examines how altered states of consciousness in therapeutic settings create vulnerabilities, and it outlines pathways for developing ethical practices and regulatory frameworks to prevent misconduct. The authors argue that understanding therapeutic dynamics is critical to protecting patients and ensuring professional accountability in this emerging field.
Am J Bioeth
January 13, 2025
Jason B. Luoma, Jenna Lejeune
6 citations
Clear ethical guidelines for touch in psychedelic-assisted therapy are needed but often remain theoretical. This paper argues that to ensure patient safety and therapeutic integrity, abstract ethical principles must be translated into concrete, measurable practices. It proposes an operational framework that defines specific behaviors, boundaries, and assessment tools for ethical touch, allowing therapists to consistently apply and evaluate these standards. By moving from theory to practice, the framework aims to reduce risks, enhance patient care, and support professional conduct in a field where touch can be both healing and potentially harmful.
Am J Bioeth
January 13, 2025
Keenan Davis, Roman Palitsky, Boadie W. Dunlop et al.
3 citations
Cohen and Marks (2025) argue for a middle path between two extreme views on psychedelic medicine: the exceptionalism that overstates its unique therapeutic potential and the skepticism that dismisses it as no different from other treatments. They contend that psychedelics do possess distinctive features—such as their capacity to induce profound altered states and facilitate enduring psychological change—but that these features do not warrant special regulatory or ethical exemptions. The authors advocate for integrating psychedelic therapies into existing medical frameworks while acknowledging their specific risks and benefits, aiming to balance innovation with responsible oversight.
Am J Bioeth
January 13, 2025
Jamie Beachy, Willa Hall, Chantelle Thomas et al.
2 citations
Therapists with extensive clinical experience in MDMA-assisted therapy (MAT) for adults with PTSD in Phase 3 trials offer their perspective in response to a prior article. They draw on their direct work to address points raised, likely clarifying or correcting aspects of MAT's implementation or outcomes. The text indicates their hands-on role in these trials but does not present new findings, data, or a specific argument beyond offering a response based on their experience.
Am J Bioeth
January 13, 2025
Zak A. Kopeikin
Current research on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) centers on its potential to treat clinical psychiatric conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The abstract suggests the authors will explore further implications, likely related to fundamental rights, mental health, and healthcare access, though the text provided does not specify findings or arguments beyond this focus.
Am J Bioeth
January 13, 2025
Psychedelics should be held to the same ethical and evidentiary standards as other clinical treatments, rather than being granted exceptional status due to their unique subjective effects. The authors argue against special regulatory or ethical accommodations for psychedelic therapies, emphasizing that they must meet the same rigorous requirements for safety, efficacy, and informed consent as any other medical intervention.