How psychedelic-assisted therapy works for depression: expert views and practical implications from an exploratory Delphi study.
Lauren Johansen, Paul Liknaitzky, Maja Nedeljkovic, Greg Murray
Front Psychiatry September 28, 2023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1265910 via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractExperts in psychedelic-assisted therapy agree that the treatment works for depression through a combination of psychological, neurobiological, and contextual mechanisms, with the therapeutic relationship and set and setting playing crucial roles. The Delphi study gathered consensus among specialists, who emphasized that the drug-induced experience alone is insufficient; integration sessions and a supportive environment are essential for lasting improvement. Practical implications include the need for trained therapists, careful screening of patients, and structured protocols. The findings suggest that psychedelic-assisted therapy requires a holistic approach rather than focusing solely on pharmacological effects.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Delphi study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Experts in psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Mental health treatment Depression research Therapeutic mechanisms Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key finding | Experts reached consensus that psychedelic-assisted therapy for depression works through combined psychological, neurobiological, and contextual mechanisms, with the therapeutic relationship and integration being essential. |
Abstract
How psychedelic-assisted therapy works for depression: expert views and practical implications from an exploratory Delphi study.