May 2020: Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

Executive Editor Michael Roy speaks with Collin Reiff, M.D., and William McDonald, M.D., about their evidenced-based summary of the literature on the clinical application of psychedelic drugs in psychiatric disorders.

How hallucinogens were first used, and some of the key individuals involved in the development of these drugs for medical use [2:23] What led to the worry about use of these compounds in the 1960s, and what actions did U.S. policymakers take at the time? [5:35] How have opinions changed from the 1960s to the present? [7:01] How the authors conducted their research [8:23] How the authors determined which drugs to examine [9:38] What findings stood out to the authors? [10:28] Relationships between the psychological effects and the neurobiology of psychedelic compounds [12:59] How ketamine came to be used in clinical care, and what studies have shown about its safety and effectiveness [14:18] An outline of psycholytic therapy and psychedelic therapy [17:16] What is the potential for these kinds of drugs to be misused? [19:24] Conclusions that researchers, clinicians, and other mental health professionals should take away [21:15] Recommendations for further research in this area [22:20]

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Image: detail from a 1978 painting by Flournoy Holmes, "Fire Being" (acrylic, 36 in x 42 in). Image provided courtesy of the artist. For this and other works, visit flournoyholmes.com.