Psychedelic medicine: A rapid review of therapeutic applications and implications for future research
summary
A wide range of potential audiences may benefit from this review, as it provides a helpful summary of the basic pharmacology and neuroscience behind psychedelic–type substances, clinical practice approaches, research methods and limitations, clinical outcomes and naturalistic use findings, and implications for public policy and health system planning. Research scientists and students from a range of disciplines will find it provides a handy and systematically organized reference text for sourcing information on the state of psychedelic science and key foundational bibliographic citations; they will also get a sense of where the current research gaps lie and what kinds of studies might be pursued to fill them. People seeking information about potential research participation or future treatment options for themselves or loved ones may find valuable information about both demonstrated benefits and potential risks, allowing them to consider whether one or another medication or approach may be suitable for learning more about. Health professionals will find summaries of emerging clinical approaches, medication indications and dosing, and adjunctive psychotherapeutic supports, which may be helpful in considering where to take their continuing education pursuits and engaging professional regulatory bodies. Policy makers are provided a thoughtful analysis of the implications of a burgeoning field of knowledge that may provide both opportunities and challenges for (re)designing health system structures to efficiently and equitably deliver these kinds of therapies, if and when regulatory approvals occur.Full citation:
Rush B, Marcus O, Shore R, Cunningham L, Thomson N, Rideout K (2022).Psychedelic medicine: A rapid review of therapeutic applications and implications for future research.
Guelph, Ontario, Canada: Homewood Research Institute.