Australia's psychedelic experiment: reflections from a psychiatrist clinical researcher.
Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists June 26, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/10398562251347890 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAustralia has rescheduled psilocybin and MDMA as clinical therapies for treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, despite limited evidence. A clinical-academic psychiatrist involved in psychedelic trial work identified eight domains needing further research: efficacy, safety including combining with psychotropics, psychotherapy models, psychological support, therapeutic touch, set/setting, and examination of naturalistic data. The clinical availability of psychedelic-assisted therapy gives greater impetus for careful research studies to inform treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Psilocybin MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Clinical trials Psychedelics Psychedelic medicine |
| Key finding | Argues that eight research domains (efficacy, safety, psychotherapy models, psychological support, therapeutic touch, set/setting, and naturalistic data) require further investigation to inform psychedelic-assisted therapy. |
Abstract
BackgroundDespite a limited evidence base to inform clinicians, Australia has adopted a national approach in rescheduling psilocybin and MDMA as clinical therapies for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), respectively.PurposeThis paper explores clinical research domains warranting further investigation through outlining the reflections of a clinical-academic psychiatrist involved in psychedelic trial work.ResultsEight domains were found to warrant further research investigation including: efficacy, safety (including combining with psychotropics), psychotherapy models, psychological support, therapeutic touch, set/setting and examination of naturalistic data.ConclusionsThe clinical availability of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) gives greater impetus for careful research studies, informing treatment and improving patient outcomes.