A majority of psychiatric patients support the idea of psilocybin therapy, with many showing a willingness to try non-hallucinogenic forms, according to new research published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
The study, conducted by researchers at Wright State University, surveyed patients aged 18 to 65 at a community mental health center to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to engage in psilocybin-based treatments. The results show that 62.4% of respondents were open to hallucinogenic psilocybin, while 60.4% were receptive to non-hallucinogenic alternatives.
Acceptance varied by diagnosis. Patients with major depressive disorder were significantly more likely to favor the hallucinogenic form of treatment. In contrast, individuals with borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder preferred non-hallucinogenic options, which researchers suggest may be due to heightened concerns about the intensity of psychedelic experiences.
Notably, patients with substance use disorders were more accepting of both forms of psilocybin therapy than those without such conditions. The researchers found no evidence that societal stigma plays a meaningful role in deterring interest in psilocybin-based treatments.
The findings highlight the importance of offering tailored approaches to psychedelic therapy, especially for patients who may be vulnerable to adverse hallucinogenic reactions. Non-hallucinogenic psilocybin could broaden the accessibility of treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
