A survey of 159 people who had used classic psychedelics found that such use was linked to greater spirituality, which in turn predicted better emotion regulation, and ultimately lower levels of anxiety, depressed mood, and disordered eating. The results suggest a pathway through which psychedelic use may improve mental health by first enhancing spirituality and then improving the ability to manage emotions. The findings add to evidence that cultivating spirituality and emotion regulation may be healing mechanisms, though the study does not establish causation.
A cross-sectional survey of 791 adults who use psychedelics found that 80% used them for therapeutic purposes, but only 30% of those therapeutic users had discussed this use with their physician. Barriers included stigma, perceived lack of physician knowledge about psychedelics, and legal concerns. Patients with mood disorders or posttraumatic stress disorder, and those who used ketamine, were more likely to have such discussions. The findings indicate most therapeutic psychedelic users are hesitant to talk with their doctors about it, highlighting factors that may facilitate or hinder patient-physician communication on this topic.