Nicollette LR Thornton

On 1 July 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia reclassified psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as schedule 8 substances, for the sole indications of treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively (TGA, 2023c). The rescheduling applies exclusively to authorised prescribers and only when delivered as part of an approved treatment protocol (TGA, 2023c).

Introduction Treatment-resistant depression (TRD), commonly defined as non-response to two or more antidepressants of adequate dose and duration in the current episode of depression, is often associated with chronic vocational dysfunction and benefit dependency (Johnston et al., 2019; Taipale et al., 2020). It is more prevalent in lower socioeconomic groups who frequently do not have health insurance (Al-Harbi, 2012).