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From Underground to Mainstream: Establishing a Medical Lexicon for Psychedelic Therapy

Andrew Beswerchij, Dominic Sisti

Frontiers in Psychiatry June 17, 2022 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.870507 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Psychedelic-assisted therapy
Keywords Terminology Lexicon Mainstream Informed consent Medical education Engineering ethics Alternative medicine Artificial intelligence Linguistics
Citations 9
Key points Argues that a medicalized linguistic framework for psychedelics, including precise and non-stigmatizing terminology, will advance science and public acceptance.

Abstract

We argue that non-stigmatizing and precise terminology grounded in the medical model will advance both the science and public acceptance of psychedelics. Researchers and clinicians should take care to distinguish between medical, recreational, and spiritual uses to set clear boundaries and expectations for patients. Ethically fraught or stigmatizing terms should be replaced with terminology that is medically and scientifically descriptive and accurate. A medicalized linguistic framework around psychedelics will potentially yield benefits and mitigate risks. Replacing colloquial names with scientific names for medicines and therapies may help correct misconceptions about psychedelics commonly held by both professionals and the public. A harmonized medical lexicon will also provide a common language for important instances of communication—such as the informed consent process—between professionals and participants. Our recommendations draw upon communications research in addiction medicine and aim to encourage the development, acceptance, and implementation of non-stigmatizing terminology in psychedelic research and treatment.

Comparable studies

Other theoretical and historical papers on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. 2024 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Learning to Let Go: A Cognitive-Behavioral Model of How Psychedelic Therapy Promotes Acceptance 2020 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Awe: a putative mechanism underlying the effects of classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy 2018 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy 2021 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Towards psychedelic apprenticeship: Developing a gentle touch for the mediation and validation of psychedelic-induced insights and revelations. 2022 Theoretical or philosophical paper

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Cited by 7

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Cites 5

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Psychedelic-assisted therapy Addiction