Patients’ Attitudes Toward Hallucinogenic and Non-Hallucinogenic Psilocybin for Mental Health Treatment
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 29, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A compelling finding reveals that 62.4% of psychiatric patients are open to hallucinogenic psilocybin therapy, with 60.4% also accepting non-hallucinogenic forms. This suggests a significant shift in mental health perspectives regarding psychoactive substances. While those with major depressive disorder preferred the hallucinogen, patients with borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder favored non-hallucinogenic options. Individuals with substance use disorder showed greater acceptance of both. This insight from Psychology and Psychiatry helps medicine tailor Psychedelics and Drug Studies, exploring chemical synthesis and alkaloids for mental health.
Abstract
This study examined patient perspectives on psilocybin therapy, specifically their acceptance and views on the therapeutic benefits of both hallucinogenic and non-hallucinogenic forms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among psychiatric patients aged 18-65 at a community mental health center, assessing their attitudes, knowledge, and acceptance of psilocybin therapy. In total, 62.4% of the participants expressed openness to hallucinogenic psilocybin (p = .009), while 60.4% were open to non-hallucinogenic forms (p = .023). Patients with major depressive disorder preferred hallucinogenic therapy more (p = .010), while those with borderline personality disorder (BPD) (p = .030) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (p = .035) favored non-hallucinogenic options, possibly due to concerns about the intensity of hallucinogenic experiences. Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) demonstrated a greater acceptance of both hallucinogenic (p = .007) and non-hallucinogenic forms (p = .046) than individuals without SUD. These findings suggest that societal stigma is not a significant barrier to psilocybin therapy and that non-hallucinogenic forms may provide a more accessible option for certain patient groups. Understanding patient perspectives on psilocybin therapy, including vulnerability to adverse hallucinogenic experiences, can inform personalized and effective treatments for resistant conditions.