The Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Psychedelic Medicines Within Midwifery Practice.
Cindy A. Stein, Andrew Penn, Stephanie Van Hope, Caroline Dorsen, Mariavittoria Mangini
Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health May 6, 2022 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13371 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Maternal mental health Pregnancy wellness Alternative medicine Clinical research |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key findings | Midwives have limited knowledge about psychedelic-assisted therapy, but there is potential for their practice in this area with additional training. |
Abstract
The research and use of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders has increased substantially in the past 2 decades. At the same time, knowledge is relatively uncommon among midwives regarding (1) the relative benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy, (2) best practices associated with the delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and (3) responsible integration of this potentially useful intervention into mental health treatment plans. The purpose of this review is to describe current applications of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders, to describe the current legal status of these medicines used in this context, and to explore the potential for midwifery practice in this area with further training. This article also addresses the disparities regarding LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC populations in relation to this topic and their historical exclusion from research and treatment access in this field.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Cosmology of belonging: The role of community in the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Palliative & Supportive Care January 21, 2025
- A roadmap for psychedelic pharmacy in Canada: A proposed policy and operations approach for controlled access to select psychedelics for treatment of mental illness Drug Science, Policy and Law 2023
- The influence of stakeholder interests on safety outcome reporting in psychedelic research and implications for science communication. Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy 2025
- Psychedelics in Psychiatry, the Nursing Influence, and the Future of Psychedelic Therapies Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association January 29, 2024
- Dissociable effects of LSD and MDMA on striato-cortical connectivity in healthy subjects. Neuropsychopharmacology October 31, 2025
and 2 more in the library
Cites 58
- 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 can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
and 53 more in the library