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More research needed into psychedelics as potential treatments for mental disorders, calls RCPsych
- Sep 22, 2025
- Latest News
The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has published a new report on the safety and efficacy of psychedelics and related substances (PARS) as medical treatments for mental illness. Alongside this, RCPsych has also issued new guidance to support clinical trials and research into the use of psychedelics in combination with psychotherapy.
The College’s report evaluates the existing evidence base for the use of LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine and other PARS as standalone treatments and alongside psychotherapy. It outlines initial studies which show these substances could potentially help treat a wide range of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and substance misuse. However, it concludes that there is not enough high-quality evidence to support their routine use in clinical settings and highlights areas where not enough is known about their safety and risks.
PARS affect processes in the brain which can allow people to feel and think differently about themselves, their experiences and the world around them. This can help facilitate therapeutic change which may not have been possible through more conventional treatments. Experiences of vulnerability during this process require careful support and understanding.
With the exception of ketamine, these substances are not legally available as treatments outside of research settings in the UK.
RCPsych is calling for more research into the use of psychedelics and related substances within clinical settings, which must address concerns around their safety, efficacy and long-term use. It recommends the creation of a centralised patient database to monitor the use of PARS, gather information on any effects they may cause, and help facilitate research.
The College has also published first of its kind guidance to support research into pharmacologically assisted psychotherapy. The clinical guidance document makes it clear that studies should be carried out within specialised clinical settings by appropriately trained practitioners with relevant experience working in this field. It also outlines the importance of careful patient selection, monitoring and follow-up support.
The majority of PARS are currently classed as schedule 1 (Class A) drugs and cannot be used as medical treatments. The exceptions are ketamine, which is licensed as an anaesthetic, and esketamine which is licensed as a treatment for major depressive disorder. Both substances are classed as schedule 2 (Class B) drugs.
Professor Owen Bowden-Jones, Registrar of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“New treatments are rarely developed for people with mental illness, whose needs are often overlooked, and it’s vital that this trend is reversed. That is why we are calling for further research into psychedelics as potential treatments for people with certain conditions, such as depression and PTSD, including those who are less responsive to other forms of care.
“Further high-quality research into these substances is still needed and it’s important that the hype surrounding their use isn’t prioritised above good clinical practice. Our guidance will help academics assess the effectiveness and safety of psychedelics and ensure patients receive the maximum possible benefit from their use.”
Professor Oliver Howes, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Psychopharmacology Committee, said:
“The study and use of psychedelics is a fast-moving field, and there is a risk of claims jumping ahead of the evidence. We hope our report will provide the public, clinicians and media with some much-needed clarity on the known benefits and risks associated with the medical use of these substances and the gaps that still need to be addressed in future research.
“We are only just starting to see large, rigorous clinical trials being carried out and additional high-quality research is needed. A system to monitor the use of these substances and how patients respond to them must also be established through multi-agency collaboration.”
Dr Jo O’Reilly, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Medical Psychotherapy Faculty, said:
“Psychedelics can have a profound effect on the mind and may make some people more responsive to psychotherapy. Patients often find their psychological defenses are lowered which allows traumatic and unpredictable material to emerge.
“The use of properly trained and supervised therapists is key to supporting patients in processing and finding meaning in their experiences. Patients can be in a particularly vulnerable state when under the influence of these substances and the therapeutic relationship is key to safe and effective practice, as with other psychological treatments. They should be supported through every step of their treatment, from initial preparation sessions to follow-up care.”