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?

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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.
POSTbrief
This POSTbrief summarises the most recent and relevant evidence on the use and effectiveness of short prison sentences. It outlines the key trends, alternative sentencing options and wider considerations.
POSTnote
This POSTnote considers the relatively new process of local area energy planning that aims to deliver net zero targets more effectively at the regional level.
POSTnote
This POSTnote describes environmental impact metrics for food systems, which are complex networks of decision-makers, natural processes and human activities.
POSTnote
This POSTnote summarises how the One Health approach can be used to tackle key impacts of climate change and threats to public health. It outlines the key features, challenges and opportunities of implementation. This briefing takes a global perspective on implementing the approach, with areas of focus on UK policy.
POSTnote
This POSTnote outlines the key components of Problem-solving courts (PSC) and summarises the key outcomes of different PSC. It concludes with highlighting the opportunities and challenges to implementation of PSC across England and Wales.
POSTnote
This POSTnote considers advances in heat pump technology, their suitability for UK properties, barriers to deployment and government policy support mechanisms.
POSTbrief
Plant biosecurity refers to measures to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and pathogens via trade and natural pathways that pose plant health risks.
POSTnote
This POSTnote looks at specialist data skills in the UK, including for artificial intelligence. It considers demand and supply, workforce demographics, challenges, and initiatives to increase supply.
POSTnote
POSTnote summarising the network of Marine Protected Areas and its components, and the designation of Highly Protected Marine Areas in English inshore and offshore waters.
POSTnote
This POSTnote looks at hypersonic missile technologies, efforts to develop them, potential applications, and the possible challenges they may present for missile defence and global stability.
Rapid response
What can deliberately infecting healthy people tell us about infectious diseases? How is this useful for developing treatments, and how do we manage the risks?
POSTnote
A POSTnote summarising proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act (1983) to improve patient choice, highlighting relevant research evidence and stakeholder perspectives.
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