{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: The cyclical revival of psychedelics in psychiatric treatment.
{Author}: Appiani FJ;Caroff SN;
{Journal}: Curr Med Res Opin
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun 20
{Factor}: 2.705
{DOI}: 10.1080/03007995.2024.2368725
{Abstract}: There is an increasing demand for effective treatments for depression, particularly for individuals grappling with treatment-resistant depression. Over recent years, a surge of interest has focused on exploring the safety and efficacy of psilocybin as a potential treatment for depression. However, preliminary findings from phase 2 studies have been inconclusive, prompting critical examination of issues such as maintaining blinding and the role of adjunctive psychotherapy. The maintenance of double-blinding and the role of adjunctive psychotherapy introduce biases that complicate the attainment of conclusive results in clinical research. Examining historical data reveals a recurrent pattern linked to the use of psychoactive substances, which starts with an excess of optimism and ends with general addictive behaviors and a heightened risk of serious public health problems. Considering these findings, a cautious and measured approach is imperative, given that the efficacy and safety of psilocybin treatment have yet to be unequivocally established. The potential for excessive optimism among researchers is a notable concern, as unwarranted enthusiasm may inadvertently facilitate the widespread adoption of this treatment without sufficient empirical support. In navigating the complexities of depression treatment, it is necessary to strike a balance between innovation and prudence to ensure evidence-based advancement of therapeutic approaches.