Psychedelic Therapeutics for Adolescents: Ethics, Safety, Opportunities, and Equipoise-Authors' Reply.
Jessica K Jeffrey, Marc J. Weintraub, Charles S. Grob
J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry December 19, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2024.12.002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychedelic treatment Psychedelic intervention Psychedelic medicine Youth mental health Adolescent mental health Pediatric mental health Youth well-being Ethical oversight Safety protocols Clinical ethics Responsible administration Trial ethics Ethical considerations Regulatory oversight Emerging treatments Novel therapies Experimental treatments Innovative interventions Promising therapies New treatments |
| Key points | Argues that conducting ethical and methodologically rigorous research on psychedelic-assisted therapy in adolescents aged 16 to 17 is sensible and worthwhile, while acknowledging risks from extrapolating adult data and off-label prescribing. |
Abstract
We are writing in response to 2 Letters to the Editor, both of which discussed our commentary, entitled "Clinical Research Trials of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Adolescents Aged 16 to 17 Years: Rationale Balanced With Caution."1 We appreciate the thoughtful responses to our commentary, and we invite further dialogue about this important subject. Both letters emphasized the importance in engaging in thoughtful research approaches to ensure the safety of individuals who are administered psychedelics. To ensure safety, ethical and methodologically rigorous research must be conducted across the field of psychedelic medicine. We maintain that conducting such research among adolescents is sensible and worthwhile, but also acknowledge the potential risks associated with extrapolating efficacy data from adult trials and off-label prescribing practices common in child and adolescent psychiatry.