The Research Deficit and Expert Disagreement Regarding Music Selection for Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
Milo Moskovitz
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science October 10, 2025 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.5c00583 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Music |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Only three empirical studies directly investigate music selection for psychedelic-assisted therapy, and they have important limitations that leave understanding of music guidelines largely unchanged since 1970. |
Abstract
Prior research has determined that music plays a central role in psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT). While there is a general consensus of the importance of music during PAT, there are only three empirical studies published to date that directly investigate which type of music might best support PAT. Importantly, no review to date has critically analyzed these studies and identified the gaps. Careful examination reveals these studies have important limitations and the findings lack alignment with other publications and existing recommendations. Additionally, our understanding of guidelines seems to be not much different from when this research started in 1970. This paper summarizes the common impacts of music during PAT, reviews what we know about music selection and guidelines for PAT, and makes suggestions of priorities for future research.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 30
- 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
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
and 25 more in the library