Psychoanalyst attitudes towards psychedelic-assisted therapy

Psychoanalysts are cautiously supportive of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) and open to their clients engaging in it, but they believe PAT would be ineffective for substance use disorders. Those who had personally used psychedelics held significantly more positive attitudes. The findings suggest misinformation and cultural stigma about psychedelics persist among psychoanalysts, indicating a need for education on risks, benefits, and evidence limitations.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background Numerous clinical trials have supported psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) as a treatment for psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and substance use. While empirical evidence indicates PAT’s benefits, the perspectives of mental health practitioners on this topic remain unclear.Methods This quantitative study attempted to capture psychoanalyst practitioners’ attitudes toward PAT. A sample of 130 graduate-level trained psychoanalysts in at least part-time clinical practice was recruited to participate in an online survey.Results The study found that psychoanalysts were cautiously supportive of PAT, open to their clients engaging in PAT, and optimistic about PAT’s potential in treating mental disorders. Additionally, they reported that PAT would be ineffective in treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Lastly, participants who reported a history of psychedelic use were significantly more likely to have greater positive attitudes toward PAT than those who had not.Conclusion Results indicate the potential for misinformation about psychedelics and a lingering cultural stigma regarding the utility of psychedelics in the therapeutic environment among psychoanalysts. Therefore, education on the risks, potential benefits, and limitations of the evidence base of psychedelics and their effectiveness across psychiatric disorders appears warranted in the psychoanalytic community.