Australia's psychedelic experiment: reflections from a psychiatrist clinical researcher.

Australia has rescheduled psilocybin and MDMA as clinical therapies for treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, despite limited evidence. A clinical-academic psychiatrist involved in psychedelic trial work identified eight domains needing further research: efficacy, safety including combining with psychotropics, psychotherapy models, psychological support, therapeutic touch, set/setting, and examination of naturalistic data. The clinical availability of psychedelic-assisted therapy gives greater impetus for careful research studies to inform treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BackgroundDespite a limited evidence base to inform clinicians, Australia has adopted a national approach in rescheduling psilocybin and MDMA as clinical therapies for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), respectively.PurposeThis paper explores clinical research domains warranting further investigation through outlining the reflections of a clinical-academic psychiatrist involved in psychedelic trial work.ResultsEight domains were found to warrant further research investigation including: efficacy, safety (including combining with psychotropics), psychotherapy models, psychological support, therapeutic touch, set/setting and examination of naturalistic data.ConclusionsThe clinical availability of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) gives greater impetus for careful research studies, informing treatment and improving patient outcomes.