Psychedelic drugs to treat depression
Researchers are exploring the science of psychedelic drugs as a potential treatment for depression. How effective could they be, and what are the regulatory and legal challenges in their use?

A POSTnote that describes the race and ethnic inequalities in mental health, and Government plans to reform the Mental Health Act 1983.
Mental Health Act Reform - Race and Ethnic Inequalities (316 KB , PDF)
The Government announced plans in the Queen’s Speech to bring forward legislation to reform the Mental Health Act 1983. The proposals include approaches to reduce the disproportionate number of individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities subject to compulsory detention and treatment. This POSTnote outlines research on race and ethnic inequalities in relation to the Act, summarises proposals for reform and stakeholder views.
POSTnotes are based on literature reviews and interviews with a range of stakeholders and are externally peer-reviewed. POST would like to thank interviewees and peer reviewers for kindly giving up their time during the preparation of this briefing, including:
Members of the POST Board*
NHSE/I National Mental Health Team*
Andy Bell, Centre for Mental Health*
Professor Dinesh Bhugra, King’s College London
Professor Kamaldeep Bhui, University of Oxford*
Tracey Bignall, Race Equality Foundation*
Alison Cobb, Mind
Steve Chamberlain, Chair of the AMHP Leads Network*
Dr Jacqui Dyer, Independent Mental Health Consultant
Danielle Fox, Rethink Mental Illness
Dr Susham Gupta, East London NHS Foundation Trust*
Professor Stephani Hatch, King’s College London *
Mat Kinton, Care Quality Commission*
Professor Judy Laing, University of Bristol*
Emad Lilo, Vice Chair of the AMHP Leads Network*
Professor Steven Pilling, University College London
Mary Sadid, National Survivor User Network
Gill Williams, East London NHS Foundation Trust
* denotes people and organisations who acted as external reviewers of the briefing.
Mental Health Act Reform - Race and Ethnic Inequalities (316 KB , PDF)
Researchers are exploring the science of psychedelic drugs as a potential treatment for depression. How effective could they be, and what are the regulatory and legal challenges in their use?
This briefing outlines what is known about the factors that shape gender incongruence and gender dysphoria. The impact on the NHS from increased referrals for gender identity care is discussed.
This POSTnote summarises child food insecurity and Free School Meal initiatives in England, highlighting relevant research evidence and stakeholder perspectives.