Psychedelic Therapeutics for Adolescents: Ethics, Safety, Opportunities, and Equipoise

The authors question the assumption that psychedelics are safe for adolescents, a premise advanced by Jeffrey et al. who argued that because psychedelics have a favorable safety profile in adults, teenagers with near-adult neurodevelopment could be safely treated. While agreeing that new psychopharmaceuticals for adolescents are urgently needed, the authors challenge this safety assumption, citing growing evidence of risks associated with psychedelics in adult trials.

Study at a glance

Abstract

We read with interest the Commentary by Jeffrey et al. encouraging clinical research using psychedelics for adolescents.1 Throughout their commentary, the authors operate under the general presupposition that psychedelics have demonstrated a favorable safety profile in adults, and that therefore teenagers approaching an adult level of neurodevelopment can likely be safely treated with appropriate safeguards. Although we concur that there is an urgent need for new psychopharmaceuticals for adolescents, we question this assumption of safety, given increasing evidence of risks associated with psychedelics in adult trials.2,3.