Psilocybin-assisted therapy for difficult-to-treat depression: underwhelming, but still vital?

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The EPISODE trial of psychedelic-assisted therapy for ‘treatment-resistant depression’ finds only modest effects, with a few clear responders, but lingering methodological questions.

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MDMA-assisted therapy for depression: a promising but early first step

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A small proof-of-principle trial suggests MDMA-assisted therapy may be feasible and effective for depression, but open-label design and a highly pre-treated sample urge caution.

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In the Land of the Unblind: are psychedelics really better than antidepressants?

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Psychedelic therapy looks impressive in trials, but when you account for the placebo effect, how does it really compare to antidepressants?

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Ketamine, depression and childhood trauma: new evidence from a community study

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Can ketamine help people with treatment-resistant depression, regardless of childhood trauma history? This new study suggests that trauma load and severity may not influence treatment outcomes.

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Who gets included in psychedelics research? A systematic review of ethnoracial representation

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Despite psychedelics’ roots in Indigenous and minoritised communities, clinical trials overwhelmingly centre White participants. This review highlights the consequences and asks how research can change.

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Psychedelics and Queerness: Do we have a meaningful voice?

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Despite psychedelics’ deep ties with queer culture, research often excludes queer voices. This recent scoping review highlights gaps and shows how inclusive, intersectional methods can transform the field.

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Psychedelics and mental health: Can the field deliver on its promise?

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Experts from across clinical trials, psychotherapy and regulation have been reflecting on the big challenges facing the field of psychedelics and mental health, following a late 2024 webinar hosted by IAMHRF. This new commentary explores where psychedelic mental health treatments might be heading and what needs to happen next.

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New and emerging treatments for major depressive disorder

Sprouts of hope for treatment resistant depression?

Kirsten Lawson summarises a new ‘state of the art review’ in the BMJ which focuses on novel and emerging pharmacotherapy and neuromodulation for people with ‘treatment resistant depression’.

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Using the highs to combat the lows: ketamine-assisted therapy for anxiety and depression

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In her debut blog, Gabrielle Williams reviews a US study on the safety and effectiveness of ketamine-assisted therapy (a digital intervention combining psychotherapy, journaling and ketamine) for moderate to severe anxiety and depression.

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