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S133: Psilocybin Clinical Trials for Terminally Ill Patients with Depression: Legal and Cultural Challenges across Three Countries

Poster Presenter

Maggie McLoughlin

Student
Northeastern University
United States

Objectives

Analyze the legal and cultural challenges of conducting psilocybin clinical trials for terminally ill patients with depression in the US, Germany, and New Zealand, evaluating efficacy and exploring end-of-life care options.

Method

This comparative analysis was conducted through extensive literature research to analyze the legal, regulatory, and cultural challenges of psilocybin clinical trials for terminally ill patients with depression in the United States, Germany, and New Zealand. Literature review is from about 2018-2023.

Results

Based on the analysis of legal and regulatory landscapes, the study found that while the US has made significant progress in approving psilocybin-assisted therapy, Germany and New Zealand have only conducted limited clinical trials that focus on depression. In terms of efficacy, the study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy has shown promising results in reducing depression and anxiety in terminally ill patients, with some studies reporting sustained benefits for up to six months after treatment. However, the analysis also identified some discrepancies in clinical trial results and emphasized the need for further research to establish standardized protocols for dosing and therapy. The study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise in reducing depression and anxiety in terminally ill patients based on existing clinical trials in the US. However, there is a lack of similar trials in Germany and New Zealand, though both countries have shown openness to assisted suicide. The study is hopeful that these countries may be the next logical step in implementing psilocybin-assisted therapy for terminally ill patients. Given the potential benefits of psilocybin in reducing depression, these countries' openness to assisted suicide may facilitate a smoother acceptance of this treatment option. Overall, the study offers insights into the legal, regulatory, and cultural challenges of conducting psilocybin clinical trials for terminal patients with depression, along with the potential role of psilocybin in end-of-life care. The study is hopeful that Germany and New Zealand may be a logical step in helping terminally ill patients since both countries are already open to assisted suicide and psilocybin has shown to be helpful for those with depression. The findings can inform researchers and policymakers on navigating these challenges in different countries, and offer potential solutions to improve end-of-life care for terminally ill patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the literature review provides an overview of the legal, regulatory, and cultural challenges of conducting psilocybin clinical trials for terminally ill patients with depression, along with the potential role of psilocybin in end-of-life care. The study emphasizes the need for further research to establish standardized protocols for dosing and therapy, particularly in countries such as Germany and New Zealand where clinical trials are limited. The study's findings suggest that psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise in reducing depression and anxiety in terminally ill patients, based on existing clinical trials in the US. However, the analysis also highlights the need for caution and attention to cultural and ethical considerations when implementing this treatment option. Moreover, the study's analysis of legal and regulatory landscapes reveals that Germany and New Zealand have already shown openness to assisted suicide as an end-of-life care option. Therefore, these countries may be the next logical step in implementing psilocybin-assisted therapy for terminally ill patients, given the potential benefits of psilocybin in reducing depression. The study's implications are significant, as they highlight the potential of psilocybin to improve end-of-life care for terminally ill patients with depression. However, this potential must be balanced against the need for caution, attention to cultural and ethical considerations, and further research to establish standardized protocols for dosing and therapy. Overall, the study's findings can inform researchers and policymakers on navigating the complex legal, regulatory, and cultural challenges of conducting psilocybin clinical trials for terminal patients with depression. The study's insights can offer potential solutions to improve end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and improve access to alternative treatment options.