A 2025 systematic review found low representation of several racial and ethnic groups across randomized psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy studies.
What they studied
Researchers reviewed randomized psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy trials and examined the racial and ethnic makeup of participants. They also assessed how consistently demographic information was reported.
What the research found
Across the trials reviewed, Black or African American participants represented 2.2% of participants.
Hispanic or Latino participants represented 7.2%.
The authors concluded that several racial and ethnic groups remained underrepresented and called for more inclusive recruitment and more consistent demographic reporting.
What this helps us understand
The review makes the composition of trial populations part of how the evidence base itself is understood. When some groups are sparsely represented, there is less direct evidence about their experience within these studies. For researchers and institutions, demographic reporting and recruitment therefore matter both to study design and to how findings are communicated.
