The economics of psychedelic-assisted therapies: A research agenda
Elliot Marseille, Stefano Bertozzi, James G. Kahn
Frontiers in Psychiatry December 5, 2022 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1025726 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Cost-effectiveness Health economics Psychedelics Psychedelic treatments Hallucinogenic therapy Psychiatric advances Mental health treatments |
| Citations | 51 |
| Key findings | Research on the economic considerations of psychedelic therapies, including cost-effectiveness and pricing, is needed to ensure their widespread accessibility. |
Abstract
After a long hiatus, psychiatry is undergoing a resurgence of interest in psychedelic drugs as therapy for a wide range of mental health disorders Accumulating clinical evidence suggests substantial potential for psychedelics used in a therapeutic context, as treatment for, among other disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addictions to tobacco, opioids and alcohol. As soon as 2024, powerful new therapeutic modalities could become available for individuals with mental health problems refractory to traditional therapies. Yet research has lagged on economic considerations, such as costs and cost-effectiveness, the economic effects of widespread implementation, pricing, and economic appraisal's methodological considerations relevant to psychedelic therapies. These issues are critical if psychedelic therapies are to become widely accessible. We describe six types of economic analyses and their rationale for decisions and planning including the needs of health care payers. We also outline desirable features of this research, including scientific rigor, long horizons, equity, and a global view.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Pharmacology of MDMA | 2004 | Review | |
| Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research | 2001 | Review | |
| 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans | 1994 | Review | |
| (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals | 2000 | Review | |
| Amphetamine toxicities | 2010 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 47
- Psychedelic Commercialization: A Wide-Spanning Overview of the Emerging Psychedelic Industry. Psychedelic Medicine September 13, 2023
- Effect of psilocybin versus escitalopram on depression symptom severity in patients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder: observational 6-month follow-up of a phase 2, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial EClinicalMedicine September 23, 2024
- The intensity of the psychedelic experience is reliably associated with clinical improvements: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews May 1, 2025
- Benefits and Challenges of Ultra-Fast, Short-Acting Psychedelics in the Treatment of Depression American Journal of Psychiatry 2025
- Psychedelics assisting therapy, or therapy assisting psychedelics? The importance of psychotherapy in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Frontiers in Psychology February 5, 2025
and 42 more in the library
Cites 36
- 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
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology November 8, 2017
and 31 more in the library