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Attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy among potential mental health service users and the general population in Australia

Summary

This Australian study surveyed over 500 people about their views on psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA for treating mental health conditions. Most people supported medical legalization of these substances, though many had safety concerns. Those with mental illness, those with prior psychedelic experience, and those with better knowledge of psychedelics were most supportive of their therapeutic use.

Background

Psychedelics have demonstrated potential therapeutic applications for treating mental health conditions, with Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration recently approving MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. However, public attitudes, knowledge, and readiness regarding psychedelic-assisted therapy remain largely unknown in Australia and similar populations.

Objective

This study aimed to assess attitudes, knowledge, and openness toward psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy among Australians with mental illness and the general population, and to identify factors predicting positive attitudes toward these treatments.

Results

While 43% favored legalizing psychedelics for medical use and 52.4% were open to their use, only 24% viewed their effects positively and 33% considered them safe. Participants with mental illness showed significantly more positive attitudes toward psychedelics than those without. Experience, perceived knowledge, and actual knowledge significantly predicted attitudes toward legalization, effects, risks, and openness to psychedelics.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of Australians support legalizing psychedelics for medical purposes, though safety concerns persist. People with mental illness, prior recreational psychedelic experience, and greater knowledge of psychedelics were more likely to have positive attitudes. Enhanced public education about psychedelics and their therapeutic potential is needed to support informed decision-making.
  • Published in:Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional Survey,
  • Source: PMID: 38907608, DOI: 10.1177/00048674241261779
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