Corrigan, Kate and Haran, Maeve and McCandliss, Conor and McManus, Roisin and Cleary, Shannon and Trant, Rebecca and Kelly, Yazeed and Ledden, Kathryn and Rush, Gavin and O'Keane, Veronica and Kelly, John R (2022) Psychedelic perceptions: mental health service user attitudes to psilocybin therapy. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 191, (3), pp. 1385-1397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-021-02668-2.
External website: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11845-0...
INTRODUCTION
Despite the rapid advance of psychedelic science and possible translation of psychedelic therapy into the psychiatric clinic, very little is known about mental health service user attitudes.
OBJECTIVES
To explore mental health service user attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy.
METHODS
A questionnaire capturing demographics, diagnoses, previous psychedelic and other drug use, and attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy was distributed to mental health service users.
RESULTS
Ninety-nine participants completed the survey (52% female, mean age 42 years). The majority (72%) supported further research, with 59% supporting psilocybin as a medical treatment. A total of 27% previously used recreational psilocybin, with a male preponderance (p = 0.01). Younger age groups, those with previous psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin. A total of 55% of the total sample would accept as a treatment if doctor recommended, whereas 20% would not. Fewer people with depression/anxiety had used recreational psychedelics (p = 0.03) but were more likely to support government funded studies (p = 0.02). A minority (5%) of people with conditions (psychosis and bipolar disorder) that could be exacerbated by psilocybin thought it would be useful for them. One fifth of the total sample viewed psychedelics as addictive and unsafe even under medical supervision. Concerns included fear of adverse effects, lack of knowledge, insufficient research, illegality, and relapse if medications were discontinued.
CONCLUSIONS
The majority supported further research into psilocybin therapy. Younger people, those with previous recreational psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin therapy.
G Health and disease > State of health > Mental health
HJ Treatment or recovery method > Psychosocial treatment method
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Treatment and maintenance > Patient / client attitude toward treatment (experience)
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
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