In recent years there has been enormous excitement about psychedelic drugs, whether classical psychedelics like psilocybin or atypical ones like MDMA. Second-wave studies have provided evidence for rapid relief of severe depression and other conditions, and media hype has vastly raised expectations. Research is now underway to rigorously test these drugs in order to clarify their actual risks and benefits. In this talk Dr Hellerstein will discuss the promise and perils of this new wave of psychedelic enthusiasm.
