Critical appraisal of evidence supporting prescription of psychedelics from clinic websites in Ontario, Canada
Kyurim Kim, Abban Yusuf, Abhimanyu Sud, Nav Persaud, Abirami Kirubarajan, Monique Moller, Taryn Lloyd, Braden O'Neill
PLoS One October 24, 2024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309911 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional analysis of clinic websites Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | Psychedelic clinic websites in Ontario, Canada |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Mental health treatment Clinical research Medical ethics Depression treatment |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Psychedelic clinics in Ontario promote psychedelics for a wide range of medical conditions using primarily low to moderate quality evidence, with limited information on potential adverse effects. |
Abstract
Psychedelics, including ketamine, 3,4-Methyl enedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), and psilocybin, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic role in mental health treatment. While recreational use is prohibited in Canada, medicinal exemptions can be granted. There are several psychedelic clinics in Ontario, Canada, promoting the use of psychedelics for a variety of medical indications. Our objective was to identify the indications for which psychedelics are being prescribed in Ontario clinics and assess the quality of evidence used to support these claims. Internet searches were conducted using Google and Bing to identify psychedelic clinics in Ontario. Inclusion criteria was as follow: clinics were physically located in Ontario, had a functioning website link, and demonstrated involvement of a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. Identified clinics were evaluated for their claims of effectiveness, the quality of evidence used to support these claims, and statements on psychedelic-related harms. The cited studies were appraised for quality using Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence, “level 5” being the lowest quality and “level 1” being the highest quality. Out of 200 search results, 10 psychedelic clinic websites met our inclusion criteria. These clinics advertised psychedelics for 47 medical conditions, most commonly for depression. Only 2 out of 10 clinics described potential risks associated with psychedelic use. There were 29 studies cited by these websites, majority coming from “level 4” evidence consisting of case-series and case-control studies. Overall, the cited evidence quality was low to moderate. Psychedelic clinics in Ontario promote a wide range of medical indications for psychedelics using primarily low to moderate “level 4” evidence. There is limited information shared on the potential adverse effects of psychedelics. Our study emphasizes the importance of using transparent and high-quality evidence by clinics and clinicians to ensure safe and effective use of psychedelics in mental health treatments.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 24
- MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature Medicine June 1, 2021
- Ketamine use: a review Addiction July 21, 2011
- Ketamine – More mechanisms of action than just NMDA blockade Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care March 22, 2014
- Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: Challenges and Strategies Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2020
- MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Nature Medicine October 1, 2023
and 19 more in the library