Australia on Saturday became the first country in the world to approve prescriptions for specific psychedelic drugs for people with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“[S]A “specially licensed psychiatrist” selected with the approval of the Human Research Ethics Committee is allowed to “prescribe MDMA.” [otherwise known as ecstasy] Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression”, according to Statement from Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia. The statement was originally issued on February 3 but did not go into effect until July 1, according to the Associated Press (AP). report.
The permission would be given to board-certified psychiatrists who are “under strict controls to ensure patient safety” because patients “may be vulnerable during psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.” . Both MDMA and psilocybin will be reclassified as strictly “controlled substances” with respect to treating PTSD and depression, respectively. The two drugs will remain classified as “prohibited substances” for all other uses, according to a TGA statement.
These substances may have “potential benefit” in the treatment of PTSD and chronic depression based on “sufficient evidence to date”. Prescribing psychiatrists are selected on the basis of their “professional qualifications and expertise in diagnosing and treating patients with serious mental health conditions with less well-established therapies.” written in the statement. (Related: ‘The situation is getting worse by the day’: Drug use and crime weigh on Portland business owners)
Australia is now the first country to allow psychiatrists to prescribe certain psychedelic drugs to patients with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. https://t.co/q1ZbhnmsHv
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 1, 2023
The TGA acknowledged in February that “currently there are no approved products containing psilocybin or MDMA that have been evaluated by the TGA for quality, safety and Physicians will be able to access and legally supply certain medicines.” Providing unapproved medicines containing these substances to patients being treated for these specific uses. ”
Australian scientists were reportedly surprised by the decision, with one saying it put Australia “at the forefront of research in this area,” according to the Associated Press.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appears to be investigating the potential therapeutic uses of MDMA, psilocybin, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). draft guidance June 2023 “For a drug development program to evaluate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.” The draft was released to collect comment from experts and provide general guidance, but “does not establish rights for any person and is not binding on FDA or the public.” .
Oregon became the first state to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin and decriminalize various hard drugs, including heroin and methamphetamine. November 2020.followed by Colorado November 2022decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms for users over the age of 21.
