Psychedelics and Mental Health in Endurance Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazil.

Endurance athletes face unique psychological and physical stressors, yet their knowledge and attitudes toward psychedelic therapies are largely unknown. A survey of 28 Brazilian endurance athletes (mean age 37) found that 64% reported a lack of mental health support in their athletic environments. Only 11% had prior psychedelic experience, while 79% were open to legal, supervised psychedelic therapies. However, 61% were unaware of evidence for psychedelics in treating mental health conditions, and 78% mistakenly believed psychedelics are addictive. Women more often reported pharmacological treatment for depression or anxiety. The findings highlight unmet mental health needs, knowledge gaps, and misconceptions, pointing to a need for targeted, evidence-based education.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are psychedelic compounds with therapeutic potential for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. However, their relevance to endurance athletes, who face particular psychological and physical stressors, remains underexplored. This study combines a conceptual overview with cross-sectional survey data from Brazilian endurance athletes. Twenty-eight participants completed a questionnaire addressing mental health, use of supplements, medications, and psychoactive substances, as well as perceptions and attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic therapies. The mean age was 37 ± 10 years. Women more frequently reported pharmacological treatment for depression or anxiety. Overall, 64% reported a lack of mental health support in their athletic environments; 11% had prior psychedelic experience, while 79% expressed openness to psychedelic therapies if legal and supervised. However, 61% were unaware of existing evidence for psychedelics in treating mental health conditions. Their potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties were similarly unrecognized and unexpected. Misconceptions were common: 78% believed psychedelics to be addictive. Despite this, attitudes toward their therapeutic potential were generally positive. These findings reveal unmet mental health needs, significant knowledge gaps, and widespread misconceptions among endurance athletes, suggesting the value of targeted, evidence-based education to support informed consideration of psychedelic therapies.