Mental health of a self-selected sample of psychedelic users and self-medication practices with psychedelics

Among nearly 2,000 psychedelic users surveyed, 46% reported having or having had a mental disorder, with 77% of those diagnosed by a medical professional. For 99% of diagnosed cases, treatment was offered, yet 77% sought alternatives outside professional recommendations, and 81% used psychedelics to treat symptoms. Self-administered psychedelic treatment was rated as more effective than professional treatment, with greater symptom reduction and quality of life improvement. Lifetime prevalence of psychopathologies in this sample was higher than in the general population. Self-medication with psychedelics was not highly frequent, but when it occurred, it was considered significantly more effective than professional treatment.

Study at a glance

Abstract

A substantial number of people worldwide suffer from mental health problems during their lifetime. First-line treatments are not effective for everybody. Recent studies suggest that psychedelic drugs have high therapeutic potential for a variety of mental disorders. This survey study aimed to assess the tendency of psychedelic users to self-medicate with psychedelics and to compare the effectiveness of self-administered psychedelics to treat their disorder and the treatment offered by a medical professional. In total, 1,967 respondents consented were ≥18 years and completed the questionnaire. The mean (±SD) age was 25.9 (8.7); 79% were males, 20% females, and 1% classified themselves as "other." Almost half of the respondents (46%) indicated to have suffered/to be suffering from a mental disorder, with 77% being diagnosed by a medical professional. In 99% of the diagnosed cases, the treatment was offered; 77% searched for treatments outside a medical professional's recommendation with 81% who had used/were using psychedelics to treat/cure symptoms. Self-administered psychedelic treatment had a higher likelihood of being efficacious, with higher symptoms reduction and larger quality of life improvement compared to treatment offered by a medical professional. Lifetime prevalence of psychopathologies in the current sample of psychedelic drug users seemed to be higher than in the general population. Self-medication with psychedelics was not highly frequent; although when it occurred, it was rated as significantly more effective as treatment offered by a medical professional. Current findings support research exploring the potential of psychedelics in the treatment of psychopathologies.