Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use of Psychedelics among Individuals with Fibromyalgia
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 10, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Among a population with Fibromyalgia, 11 of 12 individuals using hallucinogens like psilocybin or Lysergic acid diethylamide specifically for chronic pain reported improved symptoms. A survey of 354 North American adults revealed 29.9% had used a psychedelic, with 36.8% perceiving positive effects on their health. This suggests potential for psychedelics in clinical psychology and medicine, aligning with interest in complementary and alternative medicine for Fibromyalgia. Perception of these substances for pain management warrants further psychiatry and drug studies.
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a difficult to treat chronic pain condition for which there is strong interest in alternative treatments. There is growing interest in the potential of psychedelic substances (e.g., psilocybin) in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat chronic pain. Via a cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey, we aimed to characterize knowledge, perceptions, and past use of serotonergic ("classic") and non-serotonergic psychedelics among a population of individuals with FM, and to investigate interest in psychedelic-based FM treatments. Among a North American population of 354 participants with FM, 29.9% reported past use of a psychedelic, with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin mushrooms being most commonly used. Perceptions of benefit from psychedelic use were generally neutral (59.4%) or positive (36.8%), with <3% reporting negative impacts on overall health or pain symptoms. Among 12 participants who used psychedelics with intentions of treating chronic pain, 11 reported improved symptoms. Regardless of past use, the majority of participants believed that psychedelics have potential for chronic pain treatments and would be willing to participate in a psychedelic-based clinical trial for their pain. These findings support the need for additional studies to understand the potential and effectiveness of psychedelic substances in managing FM symptoms.