Psychedelics and Mental Health in Endurance Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazil.
Marina A M Portes, Leandro J Bertoglio
Journal of psychoactive drugs March 20, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2026.2644865 via PubMed
Summary
A survey of 28 Brazilian endurance athletes revealed significant gaps in mental health support, with 64% reporting a lack of such resources. While 79% expressed openness to psychedelic therapies if legal and supervised, 61% were unaware of evidence supporting psychedelics for mental health treatment. Misconceptions about psychedelics being addictive were prevalent, with 78% believing this. Overall, attitudes toward the therapeutic potential of psychedelics were positive, indicating a need for better education on these substances.
Study at a glance
| Design | cross-sectional survey |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 28 |
| Population | Brazilian endurance athletes |
| Key finding | 64% of participants reported a lack of mental health support, and many had misconceptions about psychedelics despite a positive attitude toward their therapeutic potential. |
Abstract
Psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are psychedelic compounds with therapeutic potential for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. However, their relevance to endurance athletes, who face particular psychological and physical stressors, remains underexplored. This study combines a conceptual overview with cross-sectional survey data from Brazilian endurance athletes. Twenty-eight participants completed a questionnaire addressing mental health, use of supplements, medications, and psychoactive substances, as well as perceptions and attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic therapies. The mean age was 37 ± 10 years. Women more frequently reported pharmacological treatment for depression or anxiety. Overall, 64% reported a lack of mental health support in their athletic environments; 11% had prior psychedelic experience, while 79% expressed openness to psychedelic therapies if legal and supervised. However, 61% were unaware of existing evidence for psychedelics in treating mental health conditions. Their potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties were similarly unrecognized and unexpected. Misconceptions were common: 78% believed psychedelics to be addictive. Despite this, attitudes toward their therapeutic potential were generally positive. These findings reveal unmet mental health needs, significant knowledge gaps, and widespread misconceptions among endurance athletes, suggesting the value of targeted, evidence-based education to support informed consideration of psychedelic therapies.