Consciousness, Religion, and Gurus: Pitfalls of Psychedelic Medicine
preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/zwy96
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA viewpoint article identifies three pitfalls in psychedelic research that could hinder their medical use: imprecise use of the term 'consciousness,' inappropriate introduction of investigators' or clinicians' religious or spiritual beliefs, and ethical challenges including clinical boundaries in psychedelic treatments. The authors argue these issues pose challenges for the potential use of psychedelics as medicines.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Viewpoint |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychedelic medicine Psychedelic treatment Psychedelic science Psychedelics |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key finding | Three pitfalls in psychedelic research are identified: sloppy use of 'consciousness,' inappropriate introduction of religious/spiritual beliefs, and ethical challenges including clinical boundaries. |
Abstract
This viewpoint identifies pitfalls in the study of psychedelic compounds including those that pose challenges for the potential use of psychedelics as medicines. They are: 1) Sloppiness regarding use of the term “consciousness;” 2) Inappropriate introduction of religious/spiritual beliefs of investigators or clinicians; and 3) Clinical boundaries and other ethical challenges associated with psychedelic treatments.