If Everything Is Psychedelic, Then Nothing Is: A Response to O'Donnell et al. and Lepow et al.
David E. Nichols, Peter S. Hendricks, Charles D. Nichols
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) December 13, 2023 DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2023.29003.cdn via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe authors argue that the term 'psychedelic' is being applied so broadly in recent scientific literature that it risks losing its meaning. They respond to two other articles, contending that not all altered states of consciousness or therapeutic experiences qualify as psychedelic. The piece calls for more precise terminology to preserve the distinctiveness of classic psychedelics and their effects, warning that overextension could dilute scientific classification and hinder research into specific mechanisms and therapeutic applications.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychedelics Terminology Scientific-classification Altered-states Therapeutic-research |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | The term 'psychedelic' should be reserved for substances and experiences that align with its original definition, as overly broad usage undermines scientific clarity and therapeutic research. |
Abstract
If Everything Is Psychedelic, Then Nothing Is: A Response to O'Donnell et al. and Lepow et al.