Suggestions effects in psychedelics: Confounds and opportunities
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that suggestion effects are both a confound in psychedelic research and a tool that can be leveraged to improve therapeutic outcomes, and calls for more careful consideration of their role. |
Abstract
The resurgence of interest in psychedelics has led to their widespread, and often uncritical, promotion within both popular media and scientific communities. This heightened enthusiasm complicates assessments of the neurocognitive effects of psychedelics as well as their efficacy as adjuncts to psychotherapy. A key challenge for this nascent field involves understanding how suggestion effects can both act as a confound in experimental research on psychedelics but also improve outcomes in therapeutic interventions. By critically examining how these effects operate within psychedelic experiences, we aim to draw greater attention to the role of suggestion effects as both a source of bias but also as a tool that can be leveraged to maximize therapeutic benefits. We argue for more careful consideration of the role of suggestion effects in response to psychedelics.