Three reasons there aren’t more psychedelic studies on anxiety

Psychedelics for anxiety have been significantly understudied. 

Since the turn of the century, there have only been eight psychedelic clinical trials investigating anxiety. Of these studies, most have looked at end-of-life anxiety. This leaves a whole field of psychedelics for the betterment of mental health open.

Anxiety disorders are the world’s most prevalent mental health disorders, affecting roughly 300 million people globally – here are 3 reasons I think there aren’t more studies on this topic.

1. Anxiety is a very wide concept

Even more so than depression, anxiety is something everyone experiences.

There are many types of anxiety, ranging from generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) to social anxiety disorder (SAD). Within many definitions of anxiety, other disorders such as OCD and PTSD are also grouped.

Pinpointing a psychedelic treatment with such a sizeable underlying set of symptoms may not be easy but necessary – 40% of patients with anxiety don’t respond to treatments.

2. Psychedelic treatments increase anxiety acutely

Though the early studies show reduced anxiety in the weeks and months after treatment, anxiety can be raised whilst under the influence of psychedelics.

Being taken on a ride by 200 μg of LSD will all but guarantee that the study participants will experience transient anxiety. A healthy tension doesn’t hurt, but few researchers have been willing to subject participants with GAD to psychedelics. Most anxiety research has been done on participants with end-of-life anxiety (ELA).

The focus on ELA might be historical, but few studies have currently investigated psychedelics for GAD.

3. LSD played a prominent role in anxiety studies – but the compound is out of favour

Many of the early psychedelic studies were conducted with LSD.

These studies provide a robust body of evidence for using LSD for ELA when taken at face value. But LSD is also a compound that may be more difficult to work with. From a regulatory and practical point of view, psychedelics such as psilocybin may look more effective.

LSD may have stated the studies on anxiety, but it could hold it back at this time.

The above is about to change, with results from one of the eight trails – by MindMed & the University of Basel – presented this Wednesday at the PSYCH Symposium. I will keep you updated on the results.

Are there any reasons I missed or that you think are the leading cause for the missing anxiety studies?

Check out our full page on anxiety to find out more.