Psychedelic Medicine Exceptionalism.
The American Journal of Bioethics 2025 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2025.2434398 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA Psilocybin |
| Keywords | FDA Informed consent Psychotherapy Entheogens Psychedelic medicine psychedelics Hallucinogens Regulatory framework Drug policy Pharmaceutical standards |
| Citations | 22 |
| Key points | Analyzes whether psychedelic medicines warrant special consideration from a regulatory and ethical perspective, presenting arguments for and against such special treatment. |
Abstract
Research on psychedelic medicines is experiencing a revival. Some clinicians, scientists, and ethicists believe that psychedelics are so different from other treatments that they warrant special consideration in how they are researched, regulated, commercialized, and administered. Others argue that psychedelic medicines show clinical potential, but they should be treated like other medical interventions. In other words, identical standards should apply. This article analyzes whether psychedelic medicines warrant special consideration from a regulatory and ethical perspective.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens | 1986 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Background and Chemistry of MDMA | 1986 | Historical analysis | |
| The origin of MDMA (ecstasy) revisited: the true story reconstructed from the original documents* Original documents in Merck's historical archive in Darmstadt, Germany, years 1900–1960 | 2006 | Historical analysis | |
| Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA | 2019 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How could MDMA (ecstasy) help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale | 2009 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 14
- Ethical issues with psychedelic-assisted treatments in psychiatry: A systematic scoping review Psychological Medicine 2025
- Psychedelic Ethics in Palliative Care. The American Journal of Bioethics January 13, 2025
- Embracing Epistemic Humility: Rethinking Psychedelic Exceptionalism Through Diverse Perspectives The American Journal of Bioethics 2025
- Classifying Psychedelic-Related Complications Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2026
- Critiquing Medical Exceptionalism: Toward a Transcultural Psychedelic Bioethics The American Journal of Bioethics January 2, 2025
and 9 more in the library
Cites 16
- The Subjective Effects of Psychedelics Are Necessary for Their Enduring Therapeutic Effects. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science December 10, 2020
- MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Nature Medicine October 1, 2023
- Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2018
- Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics Frontiers in Psychiatry September 10, 2021
- Preparing for the Bursting of the Psychedelic Hype Bubble. JAMA Psychiatry October 1, 2022
and 11 more in the library