Perceptions of psychedelic-assisted therapy among Black Americans.
Journal of mood and anxiety disorders December 1, 2023 Sierra Carter, Grace Packard, Callan Coghlan et al. 18 citations
Black Americans reported more positive views of psychedelic-assisted therapy than White Americans after receiving brief psychoeducation about MDMA and psilocybin-assisted therapy. Among 294 adults (44% Black/African American or Mixed Race with Black ancestry, 56% White American; average age 36.3 years), psychoeducation increased interest and positivity across both groups. Greater depression and PTSD symptom severity was linked to higher baseline interest in both groups, and Black participants with more severe depression showed even greater interest and more positive views. The findings suggest that research groups, not potential participants, are responsible for diversifying clinical trial samples and that rebuilding trust and providing culturally attuned interventions is needed.