Psychedelics, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Employees’ Wellbeing

Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is being developed by nearly 100 companies across America, Canada, Europe, and Australia as a potential treatment for common mental health conditions, using compounds like psilocybin and LSD. The article outlines three areas of management research that could influence policy and support employees undergoing PAT: economic analyses to inform approval decisions, PAT's effects on employee wellbeing, and employees' experiences of stigma around mental health, psychedelics, and PAT. Developing these inquiries may improve global mental health by encouraging successful work participation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

There is a psychedelic renaissance with key drugs that alter perception and mood being given breakthrough therapy status as potential treatments for common mental health conditions. If approved, these drugs may be used alongside psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), a therapeutic process supporting learning from taking psychedelics. Nearly 100 companies, mainly across America, Canada, Europe, and Australia, are developing compounds such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide. This article considers the management research that could influence policymakers’ decisions and support employees undergoing PAT. Firstly, research on economic analyses that could inform policymakers’ approval decisions is outlined. Secondly, research exploring PAT's influence on employees’ wellbeing is noted. Thirdly, research on employees’ experiences of stigma around mental health, psychedelics and PAT is suggested. Developing these inquiries may influence employees’ PAT success and improve global mental health by encouraging successful work participation as a critical determinant of mental wellness.