Subtypes of the psychedelic experience have reproducible and predictable effects on depression and anxiety symptoms.

Three reproducible subtypes of psychedelic experience were identified in a large sample of 985 people using machine learning. Subtypes differed in baseline demographics, mental health measures, and drug type and dose. Experiences linked to enduring improvements in anxiety, depression, and psychological wellbeing were characterized by greater personal and mystical insight. The subtypes were consistent across multiple psychedelic substances. Findings suggest that fostering insight experiences may be key to maximizing clinical benefits.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BackgroundSubjective experiences seem to play an important role in the enduring effects of psychedelic experiences. Although the importance of the subjective experience on the impact of psychedelics is frequently discussed, a more detailed understanding of the subtypes of psychedelic experiences and their associated impacts on mental health has not been well documented.MethodsIn the current study, machine learning cluster analysis was used to derive three subtypes of psychedelic experience in a large (n = 985) cross sectional sample.ResultsThese subtypes are not only associated with reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms and other markers of psychological wellbeing, but the structure of these subtypes and their subsequent impact on mental health are highly reproducible across multiple psychedelic substances.LimitationsData were obtained via retrospective self-report, which does not allow for definitive conclusions about the direction of causation between baseline characteristics of respondents, qualities of subjective experience, and outcomes.ConclusionsThe present analysis suggests that psychedelic experiences, in particular those that are associated with enduring improvements in mental health, may be characterized by reproducible and predictable subtypes of the subjective psychedelic effects. These subtypes appear to be significantly different with respect to the baseline demographic characteristics, baseline measures of mental health, and drug type and dose. These findings also suggest that efforts to increase psychedelic associated personal and mystical insight experiences may be key to maximizing beneficial impact of clinical approaches using this treatment in their patients.