AI Article Synopsis
- This study examines the self-treatment of psychiatric conditions using psychedelics without medical oversight, aiming to better understand unregulated therapeutic practices.
- The research primarily looks into the effects of psychedelics on mental health, particularly for conditions like depression and anxiety, while also analyzing how demographic factors might influence the prescription of traditional medications.
- Key findings indicate that many respondents experienced positive outcomes such as improved mental health and self-awareness after using psychedelics, with a significant portion of users having a history of depression or anxiety, suggesting the potential for psychedelics to lessen the need for conventional medication.
Article Abstract
Introduction: This study explores how individuals self-treat psychiatric conditions with psychedelics outside medical guidance bridging the gap in understanding unregulated therapeutic use.
Aims: The primary objective was to extract specific factors underlying the effects of psychedelics, exploring their relationship with the need for medication, particularly for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Additionally, we aimed to understand how the likelihood of being prescribed pharmacological medication varies based on mental health diagnoses and demographic factors.
Methods: This research utilised the Global Drug Survey 2020, an annual online survey focused on substance use patterns and demographics, incorporating modules addressing mental health and psychedelic use. The study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis to discern latent factors underlying the self-reported effects of psychedelics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the association between identified factors and the likelihood of current prescribed medication usage.
Results: In all, 2552 respondents reported using psychedelics for self-treatment of mental health conditions. Three significant factors were identified: Improved Mental Health, Improved Self-Awareness and Neuro-Sensory Changes. The majority of the sample reported a history of depression (80%) or anxiety (65.6%), with a significant association observed between reported factors of psychedelics' effects and current medication usage for mental health, especially notable in cases of depression or comorbid depression and anxiety.
Conclusions: Perceived symptom improvement following psychedelic self-treatment may reduce the need for medically supervised pharmacological interventions. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics to positively influence mental health and self-awareness, paving the way for further research into their therapeutic application.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11311900 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/02698811241265762 | DOI Listing |
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