"Unlocking Insights: Psychedelic Science's Lessons for Psychiatric Understanding of Psychosis"

The relationship between experiences of psychedelics and psychosis has evolved over time. In the mid-20th century, researchers believed that psychedelics induced a temporary psychosis, providing a scientific model for understanding schizophrenia. However, as moral panic and stricter evidence requirements emerged, psychedelic research was largely abandoned by psychiatry. Today, there is a resurgence of psychedelic research, particularly in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. While there are differences between psychedelics and psychosis, their similarities in subjective experiences suggest that they should be examined together. Lessons from psychedelic research, such as considering meaning and mysticism, exploring the impact of set and setting, and providing compassionate care, could inform the understanding and treatment of psychosis. However, as psychedelic research seeks regulatory approval, it may become more aligned with the medical model, potentially losing some of its expansive and complex perspectives.