Identity-Based Decisional Capacity and Psychedelic Treatments: Furthering the Case Against Psychedelic Ethical Exceptionalism

Informed consent for psychedelic treatments is complicated because the substances can produce powerful, unpredictable experiences that are difficult for patients to anticipate. The authors argue that standard consent models may be inadequate, as they assume patients can understand the nature and risks of a treatment beforehand. They suggest that psychedelics' unique effects—such as ego dissolution and altered perception—pose challenges to truly informed consent, and propose alternative frameworks to address these issues, including process-based consent and ongoing dialogue.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Increased interest in psychedelic treatments has raised concern regarding consent and whether it can be sufficiently informed. One source of concern is that psychedelic substances are prone to elic...