The Handbook of Medical Hallucinogens celebrates the thriving and diversifying field of psychedelic therapeutic research. It signposts many different promising lines for further enquiry, including treatment development for depressive disorders, substance dependancy and addiction, and headache conditions.
Chapter contributors are thought leaders from across the psychedelic research diaspora, including Prof. David E. Nichols and Charles D. Nichols on the pharmacology of psychedelics, Dennis McKenna on the future of psychedelic therapies in the age of biomedicine and Dr. Torsten Passie (also the author of The Science of Microdosing Psychedelics, 2019) on the history of the use of hallucinogens in psychiatric treatment.
We are delighted to announce that our Director of Research Dr. David King is published in the volume, co-authoring a chapter on the treatment of depressive disorders with psychedelics with psychiatrist Dr. Jonny Martell, a coordinator of the psilocybin for depression trials at Imperial College, London. “The data presently available strongly support further research,” they explain, within this thoroughly inspiring volume which overall makes a comprehensive case for advancing treatment research and development with psychedelics, to enable the millions around the world affected by hard-to-treat conditions to access revolutionary routes to their alleviation.
Find out about our Psilocybin Rescheduling Project and how moving psilocybin, MDMA and other substances with evidenced therapeutic potential to Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 will reduce unnecessary roadblocks to sorely needed treatment research.
And if you are a UK or international organisation wishing to get involved, reach out to our Psilocybin Rescheduling Project Manager Timmy Davis.
”This handbook reviews promising applications of psychedelics in treatment of such challenging psychiatric problems as posttraumatic stress disorder, major depression, substance use disorders, and end-of-life anxiety. Experts from multiple disciplines synthesize current knowledge on psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, and other medical hallucinogens.
The volume comprehensively examines these substances' neurobiological mechanisms, clinical effects, therapeutic potential, risks, and anthropological and historical contexts. Coverage ranges from basic science to practical clinical considerations, including patient screening and selection, dosages and routes of administration, how psychedelic-assisted sessions are structured and conducted, and management of adverse reactions.”
Published by the Guildford Press, (09 March 2021)
Endorsements
“If you’re looking for a comprehensive work on hallucinogens, this is it! This book can benefit all, from novice to expert. Grob and Grigsby take the reader on a journey through all aspects of medical hallucinogens, including their neuroscience, therapeutic considerations, and more. The book dives into individual hallucinogens and incorporates contributions from leading experts in the field. This is the ideal reference and text for the current renaissance of psychedelic research.”
—Rick Doblin, PhD, Executive Director, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
“This volume is a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary, state-of-the-art overview of the powerful and curious chemicals variously known as hallucinogens, psychedelics, and entheogens. The Handbook surveys their history, cross-cultural use, therapeutic potentials, and implications for our understanding of human psychology and mental health.”
—Roger Walsh, MD, PhD, DHL, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Philosophy, and Anthropology, University of California, Irvine
“This fantastic book has managed to thoughtfully address literally every aspect of psychedelics and psychedelic medicine in a single volume. Following an in-depth history of these medicines, with special attention paid to cultural and ecological aspects, chapters examine the major psychedelic compounds, neuroscience, psychotherapeutic elements, and specific clinical indications, before concluding with explorations of philosophical and existential implications. A superb addition to the field, this is an excellent resource for both the newcomer looking for a thorough introduction to psychedelics and the experienced clinician who seeks a deeper understanding of these substances' history and psychotherapeutic potentials.”
—Franklin King IV, MD, Director, Training and Education, Center for Neuroscience of Psychedelics, Massachusetts General Hospital; Instructor, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School