Interest in psychedelic therapies for adults is growing, with substances like MDMA for PTSD, psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, and LSD for generalized anxiety disorder showing promise. However, research on these therapies in children and adolescents is limited, with no recent trials. Adolescents may still experiment with these substances recreationally or therapeutically as accessibility increases, raising significant concerns due to their vulnerability. The authors advocate for structured, safe, and well-controlled exploration of psychedelic therapies in adolescents.
Substance use disorders affect over 48.5 million Americans, and available treatments often fail even with adequate adherence. This overview of 16 systematic reviews examined evidence on serotonergic psychedelics and ketamine for treating substance use disorders. Preliminary evidence suggests these compounds may offer advantages over traditional treatments and could eventually become part of next-generation therapies under specific circumstances. However, significant challenges remain: high risk of bias and methodological limitations in existing studies warrant caution, and associated risks are not negligible. The use of psychedelic drugs for substance use disorders remains experimental, and current evidence is insufficient to support clinical practice.
A commentary responds to an earlier article advocating for clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy in adolescents aged 16 to 17. The authors agree that rigorous studies of compounds like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA in this age group are warranted, as adolescents are likely already using these substances therapeutically. They offer additional considerations to foster further dialogue and advocacy in the field.