Improvements in well-being following naturalistic psychedelic use and underlying mechanisms of change in older adults: A prospective cohort study.
Research square – March 08, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Older adults experience significant improvements in well-being after guided psychedelic sessions, with 62 participants aged 60 and above showing notable benefits. Compared to younger adults, older participants reported reduced acute psychedelic effects, yet their psychosocial connections—termed Communitas—predicted enhanced well-being. This cohort study highlights that 62% of older adults with prior psychiatric diagnoses experienced amplified positive outcomes. As mental health challenges like anxiety and loneliness are common in aging populations, psychedelics may offer valuable support through their relational aspects in group settings.
Abstract
Affective symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, and loneliness are prevalent and highly debilitating symptoms among older adults (OA). Serotonergic psychedelics are novel experimental interventions for affective disorders, yet little is known regarding their effects in OA. Using a prospective cohort design, we identified 62 OA (age ≥ 60 years) and 62 matched younger adults (YA) who completed surveys two weeks before, and one day, two weeks, four weeks, and six months after a guided psychedelic group session in a retreat setting. Mixed linear regression analyses revealed significant well-being improvements in OA and YA, amplified in OA with a history of a psychiatric diagnosis. Compared to YA, acute subjective psychedelic effects were attenuated in OA and did not significantly predict well-being changes. However, a psychosocial measure of Communitas emerged as a predictor in OA, suggesting that the relational components in psychedelic group settings may hold particular value for OA.