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Psychedelic perceptions: mental health service user attitudes to psilocybin therapy

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Corrigan, Kate, Haran, Maeve, McCandliss, Conor, McManus, Roisin, Cleary, Shannon, Trant, Rebecca, Kelly, Yazeed, Ledden, Kathryn +3 more·2022·Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
DOI 10.1007/s11845-021-02668-2PMC PMC8205319
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Abstract

Introduction: Despite the rapid advance of psychedelic science and possible translation of psychedelic therapy into the psychiatric clinic, very little is known about mental health service user attitudes. Objectives: To explore mental health service user attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy. Methods: A questionnaire capturing demographics, diagnoses, previous psychedelic and other drug use, and attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy was distributed to mental health service users. Results: Ninety-nine participants completed the survey (52% female, mean age 42 years). The majority (72%) supported further research, with 59% supporting psilocybin as a medical treatment. A total of 27% previously used recreational psilocybin, with a male preponderance (p = 0.01). Younger age groups, those with previous psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin. A total of 55% of the total sample would accept as a treatment if doctor recommended, whereas 20% would not. Fewer people with depression/anxiety had used recreational psychedelics (p = 0.03) but were more likely to support government funded studies (p = 0.02). A minority (5%) of people with conditions (psychosis and bipolar disorder) that could be exacerbated by psilocybin thought it would be useful for them. One fifth of the total sample viewed psychedelics as addictive and unsafe even under medical supervision. Concerns included fear of adverse effects, lack of knowledge, insufficient research, illegality, and relapse if medications were discontinued. Conclusions: The majority supported further research into psilocybin therapy. Younger people, those with previous recreational psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin therapy.

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  • Many patients may not want to participate in psychedelic-assisted therapy given that hallucinogens can induce acute anxiety and may lead to challenging experiences.

    “many patients may not want to participate in psychedelic-assisted therapy (261) given that hallucinogens can induce acute anxiety and may lead to challenging experiences”

    From Psychedelics and Other Psychoplastogens for Treating Mental Illness. (2021) · cites this paper as [261]

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Authors
Corrigan, K., Haran, M., McCandliss, C., McManus, R., Cleary, S., Trant, R., Kelly, Y., Ledden, K., Rush, G., O’Keane, V., & Kelly, J. R.
Affiliations
  • Tallaght University Hospital (IE)
  • St. Patrick's Hospital (IE)
  • University College Dublin (IE)
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (IE)
  • Trinity College Dublin (IE)
Corresponding author
Kelly, John R.
ORCID
Venue
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2021-06-15
Volume
191
Issue
3
Pages
1385-1397
ISSN
  • 0021-1265 (ISSN-L)
  • 1863-4362
DOI
10.1007/s11845-021-02668-2
PMC
PMC8205319
OpenAlex
W3171384877
Cited by
84
References
26
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 29 · 2024: 20 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 4
FWCI
6.99
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
University of Dublin, Trinity College
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
  • Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
Keywords
psychedelic therapy, mental health service users, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression, religiosity, age differences
MeSH terms
Adult, Attitude, Female, Hallucinogens, Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Male, Mental Health Services, Psilocybin

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