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Psychedelics: Safety and Efficacy

Summary

This paper reviews scientific research on psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin that are being studied for treating depression and PTSD. While some research claims these drugs are beneficial, many studies have serious flaws including hiding negative side effects and being influenced by money from pharmaceutical companies. The author concludes that we need much better research before these drugs can be safely approved for medical use.

Background

Psychedelic research has experienced renewed interest in recent years with support from medical institutions, universities, and pharmaceutical companies. However, existing research on psychedelics lacks scientific rigor and contains significant gaps regarding safety and efficacy data. The Schedule I classification of psychedelics reflects their current legal status as having no accepted medical use and high abuse potential.

Objective

This review examines the safety and efficacy of psychedelic drugs, addressing misleading information in existing research and poorly designed studies. The paper aims to draw awareness to gaps in the literature, discuss adverse effects, and examine the role of personal and financial bias in psychedelic research.

Results

The review identifies numerous methodological flaws in landmark psychedelic studies including inadequate blinding procedures, underreporting of adverse effects, and misrepresentation of data. Documented adverse effects include anxiety, panic, hallucinations, nausea, cardiac effects, and psychological disorders. Financial conflicts of interest significantly influence research outcomes.

Conclusion

Current psychedelic research lacks sufficient scientific rigor and transparency regarding safety and adverse effects to support medical approval. Comprehensive, independently funded research examining long-term safety and efficacy is essential before psychedelics can be considered safe for therapeutic use. Publication of null findings and all adverse effects is necessary to establish scientific integrity in this field.
  • Published in:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,
  • Study Type:Narrative Review,
  • Source: 40003360
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