FROM 01 Jul, authorised psychiatrists will be able to prescribe MDMA for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression.
MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy or molly) and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) are psychedelic drugs that are otherwise illegal in Australia.
The response to the TGA's decision has been mixed.
There is excitement amongst patient advocacy groups about the potential benefits for Australians suffering from mental illness, for whom other treatments haven't worked.
However, many experts have voiced concerns.
Prof Colleen Loo, who is a clinical psychiatrist and researcher at UNSW Sydney and the Black Dog Institute, is one of these experts who shared her concern that "psychedelic treatment isn't going to be rolled out in a way that represents good clinical practice, and that is in the patient's best interest".
According to Loo, mental illnesses like depression and PTSD are complex, with multiple possible treatments and "the best clinical approach for that person at that time might not always be psychedelics".
This is an important consideration as the cost of MDMA and psilocybin treatment will likely be in the five-figure range, with no planned government subsidy, she said.
"I'm concerned about the public being told clearly all the things that they should consider and know before they front up the money.
"It will be quite expensive - $10,000 or more for a treatment course and those desperate will pay that," Loo concluded.
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