January 2025 PMID 39094057

Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money.

Keith Humphreys, P Todd Korthuis, Daniel Stjepanović, Wayne Hall

Mentions

24
Peak: 20 in Aug 2024
across 2 sources since Aug 2024

Extended reach

127,362
potential audience

Total likes

70

Video views

239

Mentions per month

Aug 2024 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter22 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several discussions highlight concerns about the weak scientific evidence for many claims about psychedelics, citing the need for rigorous research and caution, as seen in phrases like 'lack of solid evidence' and 'prioritize public health.' Users also demonstrate interest through mentions of regulatory decisions and ongoing debates, using tones that range from skeptical to cautiously optimistic, which collectively suggests a moderate level of engagement with potential implications of the publication.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions agree that current evidence supporting psychedelic therapy is weak and caution is necessary, reflecting shared skepticism.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions show high interest, with multiple mentions of upcoming research, FDA decisions, and calls for rigorous studies.

EngagementModerate engagement

There is moderate engagement, with some users emphasizing policy implications and criticizing biases, indicating thoughtful consideration rather than superficial commentaries.

ImpactModerate impact

While impactful on public health policy and research directions, the discussions mainly serve to inform rather than directly influence widespread change yet.

Abstract in brief

  • While there are many claims about the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs, most lack solid scientific evidence, though research is gradually improving to distinguish promising findings from hype.
  • Ketamine has potential benefits for treatment-resistant depression but also carries risks like addiction and cystitis, highlighting the need for careful evaluation.
  • Promising areas for further research include MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for depression and other issues, but understanding how these drugs work and ensuring safe use requires rigorous studies and evidence-based policies.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Keith Humphreys
@KeithNHumphreys · X

Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big money" is up at Annual Review of Psychology. Abstract below. https://t.co/eecqbPRoUO https://t.co/TlhyCGAqTm

Aug 12, 2024 · 39 likes · 13 shares · 17,267 followers View post →
Bertoglio lab (FMC/UFSC)
@bertogliolab · X

Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money https://t.co/4fDhqA8vYv

Aug 4, 2024 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,714 followers View post →
FSI Stanford
@FSIStanford · X

Psychedelic drugs are surging in popular culture as a treatment for mental afflictions, but the therapeutic claims about many of these drugs have not been evaluated in any studies of even modest rigor, cautions @KeithNHumphreys.

Aug 22, 2024 · 2 likes · 23,162 followers View post →
ADAW
@ADAWnews · X

Published a week before the FDA's decision on @Lykos #MDMA drug: https://t.co/9P8P8ImSxn Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money @KeithNHumphreys et. al. See our current issue for full story.

Aug 15, 2024 · 2 likes · 5,159 followers View post →
FSI Stanford
@FSIStanford · X

Until more research is done to evaluate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of psychedelic drugs, policies governing their use must prioritize the protection of public health over industry profit motives, says @KeithNHumphreys.

Aug 28, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 23,162 followers View post →
FSI Stanford
@FSIStanford · X

Rigorous research — not profit motives or popular interest — should be the driving force behind evaluating the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of psychedelic drugs, says @KeithNHumphreys.

Sep 12, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 23,162 followers View post →

All mentions

Johann von Elbogen
@von_Elbogen · X

January 2025 Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money https://t.co/gBHOlkwVLn 3 Mar 2025 Psychedelic drug studies face a potent source of bias: the ‘trip’ https://t.co/yyNhNpqQSg .

Sep 21, 2025 · 629 followers View post →
FSI Stanford
@FSIStanford · X

Rigorous research — not profit motives or popular interest — should be the driving force behind evaluating the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of psychedelic drugs, says @KeithNHumphreys.

Sep 12, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 23,162 followers View post →
FSI Stanford
@FSIStanford · X

Until more research is done to evaluate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of psychedelic drugs, policies governing their use must prioritize the protection of public health over industry profit motives, says @KeithNHumphreys.

Aug 28, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 23,162 followers View post →
FSI Stanford
@FSIStanford · X

Psychedelic drugs are surging in popular culture as a treatment for mental afflictions, but the therapeutic claims about many of these drugs have not been evaluated in any studies of even modest rigor, cautions @KeithNHumphreys.

Aug 22, 2024 · 2 likes · 23,162 followers View post →
Legalise Cannabis Campaign Scotland
@Legalisecanabo · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 17, 2024 · 13 shares · 3,011 followers View post →
Crew: Mind Altering
@crew_2000 · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 17, 2024 · 13 shares · 4,400 followers View post →
ADAW
@ADAWnews · X

Published a week before the FDA's decision on @Lykos #MDMA drug: https://t.co/9P8P8ImSxn Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money @KeithNHumphreys et. al. See our current issue for full story.

Aug 15, 2024 · 2 likes · 5,159 followers View post →
Bobby Smyth
@BobbySmyth4 · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 15, 2024 · 13 shares · 1,800 followers View post →
Ray Walley
@WalleyRay · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 13, 2024 · 13 shares · 7,483 followers View post →
Paul E. Martin
@paulosophia · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 12, 2024 · 13 shares · 3,236 followers View post →
Dr Tahir Turk @tahirturk.bsky.social
@TahirTturk · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 12, 2024 · 13 shares · 819 followers View post →
CopperKettle
@Artyom_Yekat · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 12, 2024 · 13 shares · 378 followers View post →
Tony Barnett
@tonyibarnett · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 12, 2024 · 13 shares · 623 followers View post →
Boris D Heifets
@TheBorisLab · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 12, 2024 · 13 shares · 3,474 followers View post →
S.
@novelmemory · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 12, 2024 · 13 shares · 172 followers View post →
Russ Cunnington
@Cunnington50818 · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 12, 2024 · 13 shares · 203 followers View post →
Greg Ransom
@GregRansom · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 12, 2024 · 13 shares · 604 followers View post →
PollyK
@PollyK63140837 · X

RT @KeithNHumphreys: Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big m…

Aug 12, 2024 · 13 shares · 167 followers View post →
Keith Humphreys
@KeithNHumphreys · X

Our review "Therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: navigating high hopes, strong claims, weak evidence, and big money" is up at Annual Review of Psychology. Abstract below. https://t.co/eecqbPRoUO https://t.co/TlhyCGAqTm

Aug 12, 2024 · 39 likes · 13 shares · 17,267 followers View post →
Nathalia Le Hen
@NathaliaLeHen · X

RT @bertogliolab: Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money https://t.…

Aug 4, 2024 · 1 share · 2,741 followers View post →
Bertoglio lab (FMC/UFSC)
@bertogliolab · X

Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money https://t.co/4fDhqA8vYv

Aug 4, 2024 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,714 followers View post →
THERADELICS
@theradelics · X

Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money https://t.co/Z05yFzCtBa https://t.co/heAdQHB0BL

Aug 3, 2024 · 3,386 followers View post →