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Should Adolescents be Included in Emerging Psychedelic Research?

Khaleel Rajwani

Canadian Journal of Bioethics 2022 DOI: 10.7202/1089784ar (opens in new tab)

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Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Psilocybin
Keywords Psychological intervention Mental health Context archaeology Informed consent Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Alternative medicine Hallucinogen
Citations 9
Key points Argues that adolescents should be included in research into psychedelic therapies due to the pressing need for novel interventions and the low relative risk of psychedelics.

Abstract

Recent evidence shows significant potential for therapies involving psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and MDMA to improve clinical outcomes for patients experiencing various mental disorders. However, research to date focuses almost exclusively on adults. I argue that adolescents should be included in research into psychedelic therapies. First, I demonstrate the pressing need for novel interventions to address the growing mental health burden of adolescents, and I draw on empirical evidence to show that research into psychedelic therapies presents an opportunity to address this shortfall. Secondly, I argue that psychedelics pose low risk to young patients, particularly relative to existing psychiatric medications. I then address two major concerns specific to adolescent contexts. First, I address the risks of using psychedelic substances at earlier stages of physiological and cognitive development. I note that the lack of understanding of the risks underscores the need for including adolescents in research. I then address the added complexity of consent in the adolescent context. I highlight some additional concerns that should be addressed in an “enhanced” informed consent process for adolescents and defend the view that capable adolescents should be able to consent to psychedelic interventions. I ultimately hold that including adolescents in emerging psychedelic research has the potential to substantiate innovative treatments that could improve their clinical outcomes, long-term mental health and quality of life.

Comparable studies

Other theoretical and historical papers on psilocybin, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics 2019 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm General population 2016 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. 2024 Theoretical or philosophical paper
What Geometric Visual Hallucinations Tell Us about the Visual Cortex 2002 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Psilocybin-assisted therapy of major depressive disorder using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a therapeutic frame 2020 Theoretical or philosophical paper

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