Defining and Conceptualising Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Depression in the United Kingdom: A Scoping Review
Year: 2026
Type: study-registration
Abstract: Background Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) interventions vary considerably across studies for a variety of reasons, including the nature of the condition or disorder being treated, the psychedelic substances being used, and the procedural protocols being implemented or developed. The way PAT is both defined and conceptualised in the wider literature can also vary significantly, both within and between professions. This may result from an array of factors, including one’s views on PAT’s ‘mechanisms of action’ (focus of therapeutic change), or the applied theoretical and therapeutic emphases. With such variance, there is a risk for findings to be misinterpreted, which may adversely impact both research and clinical practice. Rationale for Scoping Review With the aim of enhancing clarity within the literature base, a scoping review was planned to map definitions and conceptualisations of PAT across the literature. To offer greater clinical and research utility, focus for this review was given to PAT for one specific condition, within one geographical area, addressing the following question: “How is psychedelic-assisted therapy for depression defined and conceptualised in UK-based research, and where does conceptual heterogeneity exist?” Depression was chosen for review as it is one of the most researched areas of PAT globally. Studies were restricted to those conducted within the UK with UK populations as we hope to capture definitions and conceptualisations which may be uniquely shaped by the UK’s cultural context. Though PAT treatments may not be common practice within the UK, they are currently available in some forms in parts of the country. Clinical trials using both classic and non-classic psychedelics to support people with mental health conditions are also currently underway in the UK in partnership with the NHS (Imperial College London, 2026; Northern Centre for Mood Disorders, 2026). This suggests that the NHS may increasingly offer PAT as a treatment option. This review may support both research and clinical practice by contributing towards a shared understanding of how PAT for depression is defined and conceptualised in the UK. The enhanced clarity this review aims to produce may help facilitate multidisciplinary dialogues around PAT, mitigating risks of misunderstandings.
Source: Open Science Framework
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225376784
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