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Walker C, Piatkowski T, Ferris J, Davies E, Barratt M, Winstock A, Puljević C. From chaos to kaleidoscope: Exploring factors in psychedelic self-treatment for mental health conditions. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:749-760. [PMID: 39075756 PMCID: PMC11311900 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241265762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study explores how individuals self-treat psychiatric conditions with psychedelics outside medical guidance bridging the gap in understanding unregulated therapeutic use. AIMS The primary objective was to extract specific factors underlying the effects of psychedelics, exploring their relationship with the need for medication, particularly for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Additionally, we aimed to understand how the likelihood of being prescribed pharmacological medication varies based on mental health diagnoses and demographic factors. METHODS This research utilised the Global Drug Survey 2020, an annual online survey focused on substance use patterns and demographics, incorporating modules addressing mental health and psychedelic use. The study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis to discern latent factors underlying the self-reported effects of psychedelics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the association between identified factors and the likelihood of current prescribed medication usage. RESULTS In all, 2552 respondents reported using psychedelics for self-treatment of mental health conditions. Three significant factors were identified: Improved Mental Health, Improved Self-Awareness and Neuro-Sensory Changes. The majority of the sample reported a history of depression (80%) or anxiety (65.6%), with a significant association observed between reported factors of psychedelics' effects and current medication usage for mental health, especially notable in cases of depression or comorbid depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Perceived symptom improvement following psychedelic self-treatment may reduce the need for medically supervised pharmacological interventions. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics to positively influence mental health and self-awareness, paving the way for further research into their therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Walker
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy Piatkowski
- School of Applied Psychology and Center for Mental Health, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason Ferris
- Center for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma Davies
- Center for Psychological Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Monica Barratt
- Social Equity Research Center and Digital Ethnography Research Center, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam Winstock
- University College London, London, UK
- Global Drug Survey, London, UK
| | - Cheneal Puljević
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Viña SM. Religion, Psychedelics, Risky Behavior, and Violence. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38660976 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2024.2346132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Research has found that psychedelic use is associated with positive behavioral changes, however research has yet to explore the relationship between socio-cultural conditions on this relationship. This paper intends to fill this gap by testing the effects of religious participation and beliefs on the relationship between psychedelic use and behaviors. This study examines the relationship between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use (LCPU), different aspects of religion (such as salience and attendance), and the likelihood of committing a violent assault. The analysis uses pooled data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2015 to 2019, with a sample size of 282,768. Binary logistic regression models conducted in Stata 17 reveal that LCPU and religion (salience and influence) are independently associated with reduced violence. Additionally, two-way interactions indicate that the association between risky behavior and violence is smaller among individuals with high levels of religious salience. Furthermore, a three-way interaction suggests that the association between risky behavior and violence is smaller for those who have used psychedelics, with the largest effect observed among individuals with high religious salience. These results show that religious factors can influence the relationship between psychedelic use and behaviors, with both attendance and salience operating simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Viña
- The University of the Incarnate Word, Department of Sociology, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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3
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Viña SM. Diminished psychedelic returns on distress: Marital status and household size. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293675. [PMID: 38451885 PMCID: PMC10919602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the use of psychedelics to impact health has seen growth, little research has tested the effects of culture conditions on the relationship. More specifically, how does marital status and family size affect the relationship between psychedelics and health? This study tests the relationship between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use (LCPU), marital status, and household size (number of people living in a household) on levels of psychological distress in the past 30 days. This project uses pooled data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2010 to 2018) (N = 674,521). The Final sample size is determined by the dependent variable, psychological distress in the past month (n = 158,633). The analysis includes a series of nested logistic regression models conducted in Stata 17. Results indicate that LCPU is independently associated with better health, but the association between LCPU and health varies across levels of household size. Larger households are associated with higher levels of distress, which are then exacerbated among psychedelics users. Furthermore, three-way interactions reveal that the negative association between household size and distress gets larger among psychedelic users who are married, divorced, and widowed. Overall, results suggest that household size negatively impacts the association between LCPU and health, with those who are married, divorced, and widowed experiencing the worst outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Viña
- Department of Sociology, The University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
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Greń J, Tylš F, Lasocik M, Kiraly C. Back from the rabbit hole. Theoretical considerations and practical guidelines on psychedelic integration for mental health specialists. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1054692. [PMID: 37904908 PMCID: PMC10613493 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1054692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing interest in and prevalence of the use of psychedelics, as well as the potential benefits and negative consequences associated with psychedelic experiences, create a need for mental health specialists to be able to provide adequate and effective intervention regarding the content and consequences of these experiences, that is, psychedelic integration. At the same time, current graduate training in psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, counseling, etc., fails to adequately prepare professionals for such interventions. In order to fill this gap, an international, bottom-up project was established to attempt developing guidelines. This project was conducted by means of literature reviews as well as roundtable discussions among project participants, leading to a consensus on the guidelines' final scope and content. Drawing from the outcomes of this project, this article presents proposed comprehensive guidelines covering both theoretical and practical aspects of psychedelic integration, that are intended to serve as a resource for various mental health specialists who may encounter individuals in need of support considering their psychedelic experiences. These guidelines encompass clinician-friendly information on the effects of psychedelics, a definition of psychedelic integration, the general theoretical considerations linked to utilization of psychedelic experiences in clinical practice, a simple model organizing the course of psychedelic integration practice, as well as an overview of the current models of psychedelic integration, along with a selective presentation of basic and specific interventions derived from various psychotherapeutic approaches that can be employed in the practice of psychedelic integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Greń
- Public Health Department, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
- Polish Psychedelic Society, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Tylš
- Psyon - Psychedelic Clinic, Prague, Czechia
- 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Czech Psychedelic Society, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michał Lasocik
- Polish Psychedelic Society, Warsaw, Poland
- Polish Society of Process Psychology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Csaba Kiraly
- Multidiszciplináris Társaság a Pszichedelikumok Kutatásáért, Budapest, Hungary
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Simonsson C, Chambers R, Hendricks PS, Goldberg SB, Osika W, Schlosser M, Ryde A, Christersson E, Simonsson O. Classic psychedelic use and current meditation practice. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:763-768. [PMID: 37693239 PMCID: PMC10485813 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02103-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Previous research has investigated potential synergies between classic psychedelics and meditation practice, but relatively little remains known about the relationship between classic psychedelic experiences and engagement with meditation practice.The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between classic psychedelic experiences and engagement with two popular types of meditation: mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness or compassion meditation. Methods This retrospective, population-based observational study included 2,822 respondents aged 18 years or older in the United States. Using covariate-adjusted regression models, this study examined associations of classic psychedelic experiences with current practice of mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness or compassion meditation. Results In covariate-adjusted regression models, lifetime classic psychedelic use was associated with a higher frequency of current mindfulness meditation practice but not current loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice. Both psychological insight and "ego dissolution" were associated with a higher frequency of current mindfulness meditation practice and current loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice. Notably, when psychological insight and "ego dissolution" were entered into the regression model simultaneously, only greater psychological insight was associated with having a higher frequency of current mindfulness meditation practice and current loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice. Conclusion Although the findings in this study cannot demonstrate causality, they suggest that classic psychedelic experiences may exert a positive effect on the cultivation and maintenance of health-related behaviors such as regular meditation practice, with psychological insight appearing to be a stronger predictor than "ego dissolution." Preregistration This study was not preregistered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotta Simonsson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Richard Chambers
- Monash Centre for Consciousness & Contemplative Studies, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter S. Hendricks
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Simon B. Goldberg
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Walter Osika
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marco Schlosser
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adam Ryde
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Otto Simonsson
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Otterman LS. Research into Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for Anorexia Nervosa Should be Funded. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:31-39. [PMID: 36534233 PMCID: PMC9761643 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-022-10220-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Eating disorders are debilitating diseases that have twin impacts on the body and mind and are associated with a number of physiological and psychological comorbidities (Blinder, Cumella, and Sanathara 2006; Casiero and Frishman 2006), including increased suicide risk (Arcelus et al. 2011; Lipson and Sonneville 2020). In addition, eating disorders are growing in prevalence (Gilmache et al. 2019) and impact women at much higher rates than men (Bearman, Martinez, and Stice 2006), especially in adolescence (Spriggs, Kettner, and Carhart-Harris 2021). Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a particularly devastating eating disorder, with one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder (Sullivan 1995). Despite the severity of the condition, current treatments for AN are limited in their efficacy (Khalsa et al. 2017). Based on the growing body of evidence demonstrating the short-term and long-term efficacy of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of other mental illnesses, I argue that research into psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for AN should be funded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Otterman
- University of Otago Bioethics Centre, 71 Frederick Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand.
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Mellner C, Dahlen M, Simonsson O. Association between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use and Sick Leave in a Population-Based Sample. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11353. [PMID: 36141631 PMCID: PMC9517576 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Absenteeism from work due to illness, and related costs, has increased steadily during the past decades. In recent years, there has been a reemergence of research on the therapeutic effects of classic psychedelics showing associations with both physical and mental health. However, the association between classic psychedelics and sick leave remains unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between lifetime classic psychedelic use and sick leave in the past 30 days among adults in the United States (N = 407,717), using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2005-2019), weighted to be representative of the US adult population. METHODS The primary analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, risky behavior, and use of other substances. RESULTS There was a significant and negative association between lifetime classic psychedelic use and sick leave in the past 30 days (B = -0.09, p < 0.01) when adjusting for all control variables. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that classic psychedelics could potentially lead to reduced sick leave and associated costs in the general population, but more research is needed to investigate potential causal pathways of classic psychedelics on sick leave and evaluate possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Mellner
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, 114 19 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Micael Dahlen
- Stockholm School of Economics, 114 19 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Otto Simonsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
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Classic Psychedelics and Human-Animal Relations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138114. [PMID: 35805769 PMCID: PMC9266040 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has found associations between classic psychedelic use and nature-relatedness, but the link between classic psychedelic use and human−animal relations remains largely unexplored. Using data representative of the US adult population, with regard to age, sex and ethnicity (N = 2822), this pre-registered study assessed lifetime classic psychedelic use, ego dissolution during respondents’ most intense experience using a classic psychedelic, and three measures related to human−animal relations: speciesism, animal solidarity and desire to help animals. The results showed that lifetime classic psychedelic use was negatively associated with speciesism (β = −0.07, p = 0.002), and positively associated with animal solidarity (β = 0.04, p = 0.041), but no association was found with desire to help animals (β = 0.01, p = 0.542). Ego dissolution during the respondents’ most intense experience using a classic psychedelic was negatively associated with speciesism (β = −0.17, p < 0.001), and positively associated with animal solidarity (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) and desire to help animals (β = 0.10, p = 0.007). The findings indicate that classic psychedelics and ego dissolution may have an impact on human−animal relations. As these results cannot demonstrate causality, however, future studies should use longitudinal research designs to further explore the potential causal link between classic psychedelic use and human−animal relations.
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9
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Mallaroni P, Mason NL, Vinckenbosch FRJ, Ramaekers JG. The use patterns of novel psychedelics: experiential fingerprints of substituted phenethylamines, tryptamines and lysergamides. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1783-1796. [PMID: 35487983 PMCID: PMC9166850 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06142-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel psychedelics (NPs) are an expanding set of compounds, presenting new challenges for drug policy and opportunities for clinical research. Unlike their classical derivatives, little is known regarding their use profiles or their subjective effects. AIMS The purpose of this study was to compile usage patterns and adverse event rates for individual NPs belonging to each of three main psychedelic structural families. Targeting the most widely used representatives for each class, we expanded on their phenomenological distinctions. METHODS A two-part survey was employed. We investigated the prevalence of novel phenethylamines, tryptamine and lysergamides in NP users (N = 1180), contrasting the type and incidence of adverse events (AEs) using a set of logistic regressions. Honing in on 2-4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-B) (48.6%), 1-propionyl-lysergic acid diethylamide (1P-LSD) (34.2%) and 4-Acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT) (23.1%), we examined their phenomenological separability using a gradient boosting (XGBoost) supervised classifier. RESULTS Novel phenethylamines had the highest prevalence of use (61.5%) seconded by tryptamines (43.8%) and lysergamides (42.9%). Usage patterns were identified for 32 different compounds, demonstrating variable dosages, durations and a common oral route of administration. Compared to phenethylamines, the odds for tryptamines and lysergamides users were significantly less for overall physical AEs. No significant differences in overall psychological AEs were found. Overall model area under the curve (AUC) stood at 0.79 with sensitivity (50.0%) and specificity (60.0%) for 2C-B ranking lowest. CONCLUSION NP classes may hold distinct AE rates and phenomenology, the latter potentially clouded by the subjective nature of these experiences. Further targeted research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mallaroni
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - N L Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - F R J Vinckenbosch
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - J G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Shaw L, Rea K, Lachowsky NJ, Roth EA. Magic Mushroom Use: A Qualitative Interview Study of Post-Trip Impacts and Strategies for Optimizing Experiences. J Psychoactive Drugs 2022; 55:151-158. [PMID: 35315749 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2054746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The field of psychedelic research is undergoing a revival, yet research focused on non-clinical psychedelic use remains relatively limited. The current qualitative study sheds light on how people use magic mushrooms, what they perceive the effects of such use to be, and the meanings that users attach to their magic mushroom experiences. To be eligible to participate in the study, participants were required to be young adults who had used magic mushrooms within the past three months and residents of Victoria, Canada. Semi-structured, one-on-one in-person interviews regarding magic mushroom use habits, culture, knowledge and other factors were conducted with each participant and subsequently analyzed thematically. Participants associated magic mushroom use with lasting impacts on their lives including transformation and learning experiences. Additionally, participants described strategies to optimize their magic mushroom experiences, including engaging in research regarding magic mushrooms as well as making use of peer supports. Furthermore, aspects of magic mushroom experiences conceptualized as harmful in previous studies were described by participants as associated with learning experiences and few harms. Participants' perceived positive outcomes and relatively low risk profile warrants further research to inform how magic mushroom users can maximize potential positive outcomes and also minimize harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Shaw
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kerri Rea
- School of Social Work, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Abella Roth
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Identification of 2C-B in Hair by UHPLC-HRMS/MS. A Real Forensic Case. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9070170. [PMID: 34357913 PMCID: PMC8309701 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9070170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of drugs of abuse in hair and other biological matrices of forensic interest requires great selectivity and sensitivity. This has been traditionally achieved through target analysis, using one or more analytical methods that include different preanalytical stages, and more complex procedures followed by toxicological laboratories. There is no exception with 2C-series drugs, such as 2C-B, a new psychoactive substance (NPS), which use has emerged and significantly increased, year by year, in the last decades. Continuously new analytical methods are required to selectively detect and identify these new marketed substances at very low concentrations. In this case report, one former case of a polydrug consumer (charged of a crime against public health in Spain) was reanalyzed in hair matrix. In this reanalysis, 2C-B has been positively detected and identified using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). The most selective analytical UHPLC-HRMS/MS method alongside a universal and simpler pretreatment methodology has opened up more possibilities for the detection of substances of different chemical structure and optimization of different HRMS/MS detection approaches allowing the identification of 2-CB in the hair of a real forensic case.
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Simonsson O, Osika W, Carhart-Harris R, Hendricks PS. Associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and cardiometabolic diseases. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14427. [PMID: 34257396 PMCID: PMC8277805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93787-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to investigate the associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and cardiometabolic diseases. Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2005-2014), the present study examined the associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and two types of cardiometabolic disease: heart disease and diabetes. Respondents who reported having tried a classic psychedelic at least once in their lifetime had lower odds of heart disease in the past year (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.77 (0.65-0.92), p = .006) and lower odds of diabetes in the past year (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.88 (0.78-0.99), p = .036). Classic psychedelic use might be beneficial for cardiometabolic health, but more research is needed to investigate potential causal pathways of classic psychedelics on cardiometabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Simonsson
- Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Walter Osika
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Social Sustainability, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
- Northern Stockholm Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Peter S Hendricks
- Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Zeifman R, Singhal N, Breslow L, Weissman CR. On the Relationship between Classic Psychedelics and Suicidality: A Systematic Review. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:436-451. [PMID: 33860173 PMCID: PMC8033757 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Use of classic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin, ayahuasca, and lysergic acid diethylamide) is increasing, and psychedelic therapy is receiving growing attention as a novel mental health intervention. Suicidality remains a potential safety concern associated with classic psychedelics and is, concurrently, a mental health concern that psychedelic therapy may show promise in targeting. Accordingly, further understanding of the relationship between classic psychedelics and suicidality is needed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the relationship between classic psychedelics (both non-clinical psychedelic use and psychedelic therapy) and suicidality. We identified a total of 64 articles, including 41 articles on the association between non-clinical classic psychedelic use and suicidality and 23 articles on the effects of psychedelic therapy on suicidality. Findings on the association between lifetime classic psychedelic use and suicidality were mixed, with studies finding positive, negative, and no significant association. A small number of reports of suicide and decreased suicidality following non-clinical classic psychedelic use were identified. Several cases of suicide in early psychedelic therapy were identified; however, it was unclear whether this was due to psychedelic therapy itself. In recent psychedelic therapy clinical trials, we found no reports of increased suicidality and preliminary evidence for acute and sustained decreases in suicidality following treatment. We identify some remaining questions and provide suggestions for future research on the association between classic psychedelics and suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard
J. Zeifman
- Department
of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Nikhita Singhal
- Department
of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Leah Breslow
- Independent
Researcher, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cory R. Weissman
- Department
of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there has been significant research on the mental health effects of classic psychedelic use, but there is very little evidence on how classic psychedelics might influence physical health. AIMS The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and markers of physical health. METHODS Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015-2018) with 171,766 (unweighted) adults aged 18 or above in the United States, the current study examined the associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and three markers of physical health (self-reported overall health, body mass index, and heart condition and/or cancer in the past 12 months) while controlling for a range of covariates. RESULTS Respondents who reported having tried a classic psychedelic at least once in their lifetime had significantly higher odds of greater self-reported overall health and significantly lower odds of being overweight or obese versus having a normal weight. The association between lifetime classic psychedelic use and having a heart condition and/or cancer in the past 12 months approached conventional levels of significance, with lower odds of having a heart condition and/or cancer in the past 12 months for respondents who had tried a classic psychedelic at least once. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest that classic psychedelics may be beneficial to physical health. Future research should investigate the causal effects of classic psychedelics on physical health and evaluate possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Simonsson
- Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James D Sexton
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter S Hendricks
- Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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15
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Matzopoulos R, Morlock R, Morlock A, Lerer B, Lerer L. Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:780696. [PMID: 35046855 PMCID: PMC8761614 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.780696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Popular media coverage of psychedelics use, growing research into this class of compounds for psychiatry and decriminalization initiatives, are transforming the public perception of psychedelics. However, little is known about levels of knowledge and psychedelic mushroom (PM) use among American adults. Methods: We examined PM use and various measures of health status, quality of life, and self-reported mental health outcome measures obtained through a national on-line, cross-sectional survey of adults with a demographic composition representative of the US adult population by region, gender, age, and race (weighted N = 251,297,495) from November 2020-March 2021. Results: General mental health and well-being were popular reasons for PM use (63.6%), although use for medically-diagnosed (31.8%) and self-diagnosed (19.0%) conditions was also common. PM users reported more depression and anxiety as reflected in higher GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Factors predictive of PM use included being male [OR 1.54 95%CI 1.09-2.15] and having higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores [OR 1.42; 95%CI 1.22-1.65]. Self-reported PM use was less likely among participants with health insurance [OR = 0.50 (0.35-0.72)], increased age [OR = 0.92 (0.90-0.93)] and, relative to those living in the west US census region, living in the northeast [OR = 0.27 (0.15-0.50)], midwest [OR = 0.34 (0.20-0.56)], and south [OR = 0.38 (0.26-0.55)]. Discussion and Conclusions: A significant number of Americans are already "self-medicating" with PM and as growing positive media coverage of psychedelics drives public interest in the health benefits of PM, this number will increase. The association between PM use and poor mental health requires further research to inform policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Matzopoulos
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Amy Morlock
- Acumen Health Research Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bernard Lerer
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs, Hadassah - Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Leonard Lerer
- Back of the Yards Algae Sciences - Parow Entheobiosciences, Chicago, IL, United States
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16
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Lancelotta RL, Davis AK. Use of Benefit Enhancement Strategies among 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) Users: Associations with Mystical, Challenging, and Enduring Effects. J Psychoactive Drugs 2020; 52:273-281. [PMID: 32148190 PMCID: PMC7415524 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1737763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent, fast-acting psychedelic. Anecdotal reports from 5-MeO-DMT users suggest that they employ a variety of benefit enhancement (BE) strategies aimed to increase positive effects and decrease any potential challenging effects of the substance, but no empirical study has investigated this claim. We examined the prevalence of BE strategy use using secondary data from a survey of 5-MeO-DMT users (n = 515; Mage = 35.4, SD = 11.7; Male = 79%; White/Caucasian = 86%). Results indicated that BE strategy use was common in this sample. As a secondary aim, we assessed whether the use of BE strategies was associated with acute subjective (i.e., mystical-type, challenging) and persisting effects of 5-MeO-DMT among a subset of respondents who reported using 5-MeO-DMT once in their lifetime (n = 116). Results showed that the use of several BE strategies were associated with significantly more intense mystical-type effects and enduring beliefs about the personal meaning and spiritual significance of their experience, and some BE strategies were associated with less intense or challenging experiences. Data suggests that BE strategies are commonly used, and that the use of BE strategies may be associated with increases in positive mystical-type and enduring effects. The causal influence of BE strategies on acute/persisting effects of 5-MeO-DMT should be examined in longitudinal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael L. Lancelotta
- School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy, and Design, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave. Dept. 3374 Laramie, WY 82071 USA
- Innate Path Psychotherapy Clinic, 1445 Holland St, Lakewood, CO 80215 USA
| | - Alan K. Davis
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 1947 N. College Rd, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
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17
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Papaseit E, Olesti E, Pérez-Mañá C, Torrens M, Grifell M, Ventura M, Pozo OJ, de Sousa Fernandes Perna EB, Ramaekers JG, de la Torre R, Farré M. Acute Effects of 2C-E in Humans: An Observational Study. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:233. [PMID: 32256350 PMCID: PMC7093582 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylphenethylamine (2C-E) is psychedelic phenylethylamine, with a chemical structure similar to mescaline, used as new psychoactive substance (NPS). It inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin uptake and, more relevant, acts as a partial agonist of the serotonin 2A (5-HT2 A), 2B (5-HT2 B), and (5-HT2 C) receptors. Consumers have reported that 2C-E induces mild-moderate psychedelic effects, but its pharmacology in humans, including pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics, have not yet studied. To assess the acute effects of 2C-E on physiological and subjective effects and evaluate its pharmacokinetics, an observational study was carried-out. Ten recreational users of psychedelics self-administered a single oral dose of 2C-E (6.5, 8, 10, 15, or 25 mg). Blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated at baseline, 2, 4, and 6 h post-administration. Three rating scales were administered to evaluate subjective effects: a set of Visual Analog Scales (VAS), the 49-item short form version of the Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI), and the Evaluation of the Subjective Effects of Substances with Abuse Potential (VESSPA-SSE) at baseline, 2, 4, and 6 h after self-administration. To assess 2C-E concentrations oral fluid (saliva) was collected during 6 h. 2C-E induced primarily alterations in perceptions, hallucinations, and euphoric-mood. Saliva maximal concentrations were achieved 2 h after self-administration. Administration of oral 2C-E at recreational doses produces a group of psychedelic-like effects such to 2C-B and other serotonin-acting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Papaseit
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eulalia Olesti
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Mañá
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Drug Addiction Program, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Grifell
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Drug Addiction Program, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Barcelona, Spain.,Energy Control, Associació Benestar i Desenvolupament, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Ventura
- Energy Control, Associació Benestar i Desenvolupament, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar J Pozo
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol-Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology and Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Sexton JD, Nichols CD, Hendricks PS. Population Survey Data Informing the Therapeutic Potential of Classic and Novel Phenethylamine, Tryptamine, and Lysergamide Psychedelics. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:896. [PMID: 32116806 PMCID: PMC7026018 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The majority of contemporary psychedelic research has focused on ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin, though there are hundreds of novel psychedelic compounds that may have clinical utility. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of classic and novel phenethylamine, tryptamine, and lysergamide psychedelics via a large, nationally representative population-based survey. METHODS We tested the unique associations of lifetime classic and novel phenethylamine, tryptamine, and lysergamide psychedelics with past month psychological distress and past year suicidality among respondents pooled from years 2008-2017 of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (weighted N = 260,964,827). RESULTS Lifetime classic tryptamine use was associated with a decreased odds of past month psychological distress [aOR = 0.76; (0.69-0.83)] and past year suicidal thinking [aOR = 0.79; (0.72-0.87)]. Lifetime novel phenethylamine use, on the other hand, was associated with an increased odds of past year suicidal thinking [aOR = 1.44; (1.06-1.95)] and past year suicidal planning [aOR = 1.60; (1.06-2.41)]. No other significant associations were found. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These findings, which may be driven by differences in pharmacodynamics, suggest that classic tryptamines may hold the greatest therapeutic potential of the psychedelics, whereas novel phenethylamines may pose risk for harm. The present findings thus support continued research on the clinical application of classic tryptamines. Though the current results caution against the clinical utility of novel phenethylamines, further study of these and other novel psychedelic substances is nonetheless warranted to better understand their potential application.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Sexton
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Charles D Nichols
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Peter S Hendricks
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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