Classic psychedelics carry minimal medical risks such as toxicity and overdose, and many persistent negative perceptions of psychological risks—including abuse liability and dependence—are unsupported by current scientific evidence when use occurs in regulated or medical contexts. Most reported adverse effects are not observed under these conditions. The review underscores the need for clinicians and therapists to maintain high safety and ethical standards and for balanced media reporting to avoid future controversies and allow continued research.
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) may be a cost-effective treatment for severe depression, depending on the price of the drug and the level of therapist support. A decision model compared PAP with conventional medication, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and their combination over six months. PAP produced the highest quality-adjusted life years (0.310) but also the highest expected healthcare cost (£6,132 to £7,652). PAP became cost-effective when therapist support costs were reduced by 50% and the psilocybin price dropped to £400–£800 per person. From a societal perspective, PAP's cost-effectiveness improved further. More long-term outcome data are needed.