This survey study (n=474) assessed participants’ perception, potential usage, and recommendations for psychedelic drugs being used as a treatment for mental illnesses. Results show that participants were not open to their personal usage of psychedelics but were more open to recommending psychedelic therapy to their loved ones.
Abstract
“With roughly 44.7 million individuals struggling with mental health problems, it is important that new methods of treatment are explored. Currently, the primary method of treatment is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there are also many detrimental side effects and they only decrease symptomology for a short period of time. The interest and enthusiasm of many researchers has led to uncovering the true benefits of utilizing psychedelic drugs as a leading treatment for mental health problems has been rising. Participants (N = 474) were given a questionnaire regarding their knowledge of mental illnesses (anxiety, depression, and PTSD), traditional treatment (SSRIs), perception, potential usage, and recommendations for psychedelic drugs being used as a treatment for mental illnesses. A correlation analysis revealed that participants were not being open to their personal usage of psychedelics but were more open to recommending them to their loved ones. Thus, these results suggest that while society may be open to others engaging in psychedelic-assisted therapy, there is still some hesitation for self-use.”
Authors: Dèjah Barksdale & Emily Pica
Summary of Lay Perceptions of Treating Mental Illness with Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
Lay perceptions of treating mental illness with psychedelic assisted therapy
In 2016, there were an estimated 44.7 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States with a mental illness/disorder. The traditional treatments for these disorders all list Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) as a leading treatment, but these treatments do not fully help treat the illness. There is a new hope for treating mental illness, and that glimmer of hope falls under the umbrella of psychedelic drugs. However, people have different perceptions of psychedelic assisted therapy.