Nutt, David J., Erritzoe, David, Schlag, Anna, Luke, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2141-2453, Mash, Deborah C., Uchida, Hiroyuki, Aday, Jacob S., Rucker, James, Galindo, Liliana, Sweeney, Mark, Lowe, Matthew X., Davis, Oliver, Ferreira, Plinio, Zafar, Rayyan, Carhart-Harris, Robin, Hawrot, Tadeusz and Neill, Jo (2025) Editorial: A lexicon for psychedelic research and treatment. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 11. pp. 1-8. ISSN 2050-3245 (doi:10.1177/20503245251380511)

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Abstract

Psychedelics are undergoing a clinical research renaissance, with compounds such as psilocybin advancing to Phase 3 trials for treatment-resistant depression and receiving fast-track or breakthrough designations from regulatory agencies. Despite this progress, the field lacks standardized terminology to guide clinical development, dosing, safety monitoring, and regulatory classification. Here, we present a comprehensive framework for psychedelic nomenclature based on pharmacology, subjective effects, dosing, and therapeutic use. A pharmacological classification system is described, encompassing serotonergic, glutamatergic, kappaergic, GABAergic, and atypical psychedelics. Dose-dependent categories -microdose, minidose, mididose, and macrodose - are introduced to standardize the description of dosing levels and intended subjective effects. We also standardize vague terms like "short-acting" or "long-acting" with specific pharmacokinetic parameters, including route, onset, and duration of action. Safety considerations are also explored, particularly cardiovascular and psychological effects, and we discuss the need for risk mitigation protocols in higher-risk compounds like ibogaine. The evolving role of psychotherapy in psychedelic treatment is also examined, proposing terminology to distinguish between "psychedelic therapy" and varying levels of psychological support. A three-phase treatment model-preparation, dosing, and integration-is recommended as a minimum standard for safe and effective care. The lack of comparative research on psychotherapy modalities in psychedelic therapy is identified as a critical gap. Ultimately, a standardized lexicon and clinical framework will support clearer communication, improved trial design, and more equitable access as psychedelic therapies move toward widespread clinical use.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under T32AR007080-44S1.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	psychedelic, lexicon, terminology, classification
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RC Internal medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Mental Health Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	26 Sep 2025 13:49
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/51079

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