Challenges in the Use of Psychedelic Compounds for Psychiatric Treatment-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session titled "Challenges in the Use of Psychedelic Compounds for Psychiatric Treatment" was chaired by Paul Appelbaum, exploring the growing interest and potential challenges of psychedelic treatments in psychiatry. Preliminary research indicates psychedelics like psilocybin may effectively treat conditions such as depression, substance use disorders, and cancer-associated distress, but none are yet approved for clinical use in the U.S. Though findings are promising, sample sizes are small, and more definitive research is needed.<br /><br />Natalie Koukassian discussed the potential risks of psychedelic use, noting that while they are generally well-tolerated when patients are thoroughly screened, psychological and physiological side effects can occur. These risks emphasize the need for informed use. There's also increasing access to psychedelics through legal changes and retreats, requiring healthcare providers to be informed for effective patient discussions.<br /><br />Amy McGuire addressed the non-medical use of psychedelics, highlighting how unregulated retreats could attract people due to high costs and limited access within healthcare settings. Screening, medication washout practices, and the inclusion of medical professionals vary greatly among retreat organizations, presenting significant healthcare implications.<br /><br />Paul Appelbaum emphasized the complexities of informed consent with psychedelic treatment, noting the difficulty in conveying the nature of psychedelic experiences and managing expectations. He raised concerns about the long-term efficacy and adverse effects of psychedelics, stressing the need for regulatory oversight and guidelines from professional bodies to ensure safe use as these treatments integrate into clinical practice.

Keywords

psychedelic compounds

psychiatric treatment

Paul Appelbaum

psilocybin

depression

substance use disorders

cancer-associated distress

Natalie Koukassian

psychological side effects

physiological side effects

Amy McGuire

informed consent

regulatory oversight