People of color in North America report improvements in racial trauma and mental health symptoms following psychedelic experiences
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – December 10, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A single psychedelic experience, often involving psilocybin, may significantly reduce mental health symptoms stemming from racism. An internet survey of 313 Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) revealed moderate reductions in traumatic stress (d=-.45), depression (d=-.52), and anxiety (d=-.53) in the 30 days post-use. This suggests a powerful role for hallucinogens in clinical psychology and psychiatry. Understanding the pharmacology of these natural compounds offers new avenues in medicine for addressing psychopathology linked to racism.
Abstract
This study examined how psychedelics reduced symptoms of racial trauma among black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) subsequent to an experience of racism. A cross-sectional internet-based survey included questions about experiences with racism, mental health symptoms, and acute and enduring psychedelic effects. Changes in mental health were assessed by retrospective report of symptoms in the 30 days before and 30 days after an experience with psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). We recruited 313 diverse BIPOC in the US and Canada. Results revealed a significant (p p p p c = 0.52, p < .001) between the dimension of acute psychedelic effects (mystical-type, insight, and challenging experiences) and decreases in a cluster of subsequent psychopathology (traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and stress), while controlling for the frequency of prior discrimination and the time since the psychedelic experience. BIPOC have been underrepresented in psychedelic studies. Psychedelics may decrease the negative impact of racial trauma. Future studies should examine the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy for individuals with a history of race-based trauma.