Depression is a widespread mental health disorder that causes severe emotional suffering and increases suicide risk. Ketamine and esketamine have expanded treatment options. A systematic review following PRISMA criteria analyzed existing protocols for treating depression with these substances. Results showed a predominance of medical approaches, with few studies on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or other psychedelic-assisted therapies. Limited information was reported on psychosocial elements like preparation, psychological support during sessions, and integration of experiences. These findings suggest that treatment practices for depression with ketamine or esketamine diverge from those used with other psychedelic substances, highlighting directions for future research.
Music is frequently used in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, but there is no standardized protocol for selecting or implementing it. A systematic review of 36 articles found that 25 mentioned music, mostly in studies of psilocybin and MDMA for depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Procedures varied widely across studies, partly because different disorders and substances were investigated, and partly because no uniform guidelines exist. Identifying which features of music are prioritized may help guide future clinical practice and research.
Interviews with 26 stakeholders in Brazil—including Indigenous leaders, clinicians, activists, and policymakers—revealed four barriers (accessibility, regulation, limited knowledge, and risks), three facilitators (need for innovation, scientific advancements, and legal loopholes), and four perspectives (integration of ancestral knowledge, idealization/mysticism/scientific rigor, user autonomy, and tangible social benefits) for psychedelic research and regulation. Themes were shared across groups but varied in emphasis, highlighting cultural, political, scientific, and clinical considerations for a region with a rich history of traditional psychedelic use.