Knowledge and attitudes about the use of psychedelic drugs among psychiatric professionals in Korea
Won-Seok Choi, Jeongwan Hong, Seung‐ho Jang, Jung Goo Lee, Inki Sohn, François Lilienthal, Jeong Seok Seo, Nak-young Kim, Og-jin Jang, Duk‐in Jon
Journal of Psychedelic Studies May 17, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1556/2054.2025.00424 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychiatric professionals in Korea show a significant interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, particularly for hard-to-treat conditions like depression and PTSD. A survey of 200 participants yielded a 96.5% response rate, revealing disparities in knowledge about psychedelics, especially between residents and experienced psychiatrists. Most respondents expressed cautious optimism about integrating psychedelics into practice, but positive attitudes were lower among women. The findings highlight the need for better education on psychedelics within the Korean psychiatric community.
Study at a glance
| Design | survey |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 193 |
| Population | psychiatric professionals in Korea |
| Key finding | There is notable interest among Korean psychiatric professionals in the therapeutic applications of psychedelics, despite disparities in knowledge and lower positive attitudes among women. |
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims A mental health professional's background regarding psychedelics, including their attitudes, is important to the therapeutic effects of these drugs; however, no study has examined this in Asian populations. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of psychiatric professionals in Korea regarding the use of psychedelics in clinical practice. Methods An anonymous survey consisting of 15 questions was distributed to 200 participants at three academic psychiatric conferences in Korea. The survey assessed participants' knowledge of the history, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs, as well as their attitudes towards their legalization and usage for psychiatric treatment. Results The survey had a 96.5% response rate (193/200), with 44% (85/193) of respondents being psychiatry residents. Disparities in prior knowledge of psychedelics, especially in their mechanisms of action, were found between residents and psychiatrists. Despite this, for all participants, there was a notable interest in the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics, particularly for conditions that are difficult to treat, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, positive attitudes toward psychedelics were lower among women, with most respondents expressing a cautious optimism about the future integration of psychedelics into psychiatric practice, contingent upon further research and regulatory approval. Conclusions The study underscores the need for enhanced education and training on psychedelic drugs within the Korean psychiatric community. Increasing awareness and understanding of these substances could help align Korean psychiatric practices with global trends in fields of psychedelics and potentially improve treatment outcomes for patients with severe and refractory psychiatric conditions.