Bridging the Gap: Addressing Bias in Reporting on Psychedelic Therapy
In the ongoing discourse surrounding psychedelic therapy, one persistent issue is the biased reporting that undermines the potential benefits of these treatments. This bias is particularly evident when media outlets use sensationalist language and imagery, which can skew public perception and hinder scientific progress.
For instance, BioPharma Dive's recent article, used a picture of "street Molly" instead of actual medical-grade MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). This choice perpetuates the stigma associated with psychedelic substances and does a disservice to the serious research being conducted in this field.
I’d love to hear from Lykos Therapeutics if patients in their trials were given emoji-colored tablets resembling club ecstasy. While I doubt this is the case, if it is, understanding why such a choice was made would be valuable.
Similarly, an AAAS publication "Science" article (linked below) titled "FDA Advisory Panel Rejects Ecstasy for PTSD Treatment" employs the term "Ecstasy" instead of the compound's proper name, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). This not only misleads the reader but also fails to recognize the legitimate therapeutic potential of MDMA, which is being rigorously studied under FDA oversight.
📄 Articles in question:
BioPharma Dive: https://lnkd.in/gUKbdvkb
Science: https://lnkd.in/gGechndx
To truly advance the field of psychedelic therapy, we need accurate, unbiased reporting that reflects the scientific integrity of this research. This means using proper terminology and imagery that respects the difference between therapeutic use and street drugs.
If we are genuinely committed to exploring all avenues for effective treatments, we must move beyond the “Just Say No to Drugs” rhetoric of the past.
Responsible drug companies and rigorous FDA oversight ensure safety and efficacy, and it's time our media coverage reflects this reality.
I would like to invite Lykos Therapeutics, the authors of these articles, and others in the field to weigh in on this discussion. How can we foster more responsible reporting that supports the advancement of potentially life-saving therapies?
#PsychedelicTherapy #MDMA #Biotech #Pharma #ClinicalTrials #MentalHealth #ThoughtLeadership
