Promising Developments in Psychedelics: Insights from Hans Eriksson, MD, PhD

Psychedelics and ketamine-based therapies for depression are showing genuinely novel mechanisms, but Hans Eriksson, MD, PhD, urges a measured view of the evidence. Eriksson highlights Compass trial data and notes separation between active treatment and comparator on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale that fell by about 3.5 to 4 points over 6 to 8 weeks. He sees these results as clinically meaningful, while suggesting they may not fully match earlier “hype” about psychedelics. On safety, Eriksson emphasizes that strong psychological experiences and cardiovascular effects mean these interventions require careful handling and adherence to established clinical practice. He frames the current momentum as a maturation of the field, offering a promising portfolio of options for patients with treatment-resistant depression.