Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use of Psychedelics among Individuals with Fibromyalgia
Nicolas G. Glynos, Jennifer Pierce, Alan K. Davis, Jenna McAfee, Kevin F. Boehnke
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 10, 2022 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2021.2022817 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn a survey of 354 North American adults with fibromyalgia, nearly 30% reported having used a psychedelic, most commonly LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. Most users rated their experience as neutral (59.4%) or positive (36.8%), and fewer than 3% reported negative effects on health or pain. Among the 12 participants who used a psychedelic specifically to treat chronic pain, 11 said their symptoms improved. Regardless of past use, most respondents believed psychedelics could help treat chronic pain and would join a clinical trial for such a treatment. The findings support further research into psychedelic-based therapies for fibromyalgia.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 354 |
| Population | North American adults with fibromyalgia |
| Topics | LSD Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Fibromyalgia Chronic pain Population Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 39 |
| Key finding | Among 354 adults with fibromyalgia, 29.9% had used a psychedelic, most reported neutral or positive experiences, and the majority expressed interest in psychedelic-based treatments for their pain. |
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a difficult to treat chronic pain condition for which there is strong interest in alternative treatments. There is growing interest in the potential of psychedelic substances (e.g., psilocybin) in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat chronic pain. Via a cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey, we aimed to characterize knowledge, perceptions, and past use of serotonergic ("classic") and non-serotonergic psychedelics among a population of individuals with FM, and to investigate interest in psychedelic-based FM treatments. Among a North American population of 354 participants with FM, 29.9% reported past use of a psychedelic, with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin mushrooms being most commonly used. Perceptions of benefit from psychedelic use were generally neutral (59.4%) or positive (36.8%), with <3% reporting negative impacts on overall health or pain symptoms. Among 12 participants who used psychedelics with intentions of treating chronic pain, 11 reported improved symptoms. Regardless of past use, the majority of participants believed that psychedelics have potential for chronic pain treatments and would be willing to participate in a psychedelic-based clinical trial for their pain. These findings support the need for additional studies to understand the potential and effectiveness of psychedelic substances in managing FM symptoms.