Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money
Keith Humphreys, Daniel Stjepanović, Wayne Hall, Philip Todd Korthuis
Annual Review of Psychology August 2, 2024 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-020124-023532 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction MDMA Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Dysphoria Harm Psychotherapist Hallucinogen Adverse effect |
| Citations | 18 |
| Key findings | Ketamine has risks but may benefit treatment-resistant depression; MDMA and psilocybin show therapeutic signals needing replication. |
Abstract
Therapeutic claims about many psychedelic drugs have not been evaluated in any studies of even modest rigor. The science of psychedelic drugs is strengthening, however, making it easier to differentiate some promising findings amid the hype that suffuses this research area. Ketamine has risks of adverse side effects (e.g., addiction and cystitis), but multiple studies suggest it can benefit individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Other therapeutic signals from psychedelic drug research that merit rigorous replication studies include 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psilocybin for depression, end of life dysphoria, and alcohol use disorder. The precise mechanisms through which psychedelic drugs can produce benefit and harm are not fully understood. Rigorous research is the best path forward for evaluating the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of psychedelic drugs. Policies governing the clinical use of these drugs should be informed by evidence and prioritize the protection of public health over the profit motive.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants | 2016 | Review | |
| Methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy) Neurotoxicity: 'of Mice and Men' | 2004 | Review | |
| Use and abuse of dissociative and psychedelic drugs in adolescence Adolescent humans and preclinical animal models | 2021 | Review | |
| Can MDMA Play a Role in the Treatment of Substance Abuse? | 2013 | Review | |
| Neuroimaging in Human MDMA (Ecstasy) Users | 2008 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- Crafting effective regulatory policies for psychedelics: What can be learned from the case of cannabis? Addiction June 6, 2024
- Clinical psychedelic research in adolescents: a scoping review and overview of ethical considerations The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health September 2, 2025
- Consistency of protocol and safety data reporting in clinical trial registrations and corresponding publications of interventions involving MDMA and psilocybin. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology January 23, 2026
- Addressing US Demand for Psychedelic Medicines in the Face of Scientific Uncertainty. The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics 2026
- Psychedelics, Harm Reduction, and Life's Big Questions: Making Sense of Spirituality and Religion After the Journey Anthropology of Consciousness August 27, 2025
and 10 more in the library
Cites 58
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. New England Journal of Medicine November 3, 2022
- MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature Medicine June 1, 2021
and 53 more in the library