Patients' Experiences Discussing Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes with Physicians and Other Health Care Providers

Abstract

Background:

A core component in the provision and receipt of appropriate medical care is trust and communication between patients and physicians. The use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes (PTPs) has experienced growing attention in the past decade and may be an increasing topic of patient–physician interactions. The stigmatization of psychedelic use may complicate this process. However, patient perspectives on discussing psychedelics with their physician have not yet been systematically examined.

Methods:

We report findings from a cross-sectional study of 791 adults who use psychedelics. The survey queried patient experiences communicating about PTP with health care providers (HCPs) as well as intentions, modes, and patterns of psychedelic use.

Results:

A majority (80%) of the 791 adult psychedelic users (M_age = 37, SD = 1.28; 46% female) endorsed using PTPs. Nearly a third of therapeutic users (30%; n = 190) reported discussing psychedelic use with their physician. Barriers to discussing PTP with physicians included stigmatization, perceived physician knowledge gaps about psychedelics, and legal status. Patients with a history of mood disorders (χ² = 11.01, p < 0.01), or posttraumatic stress disorder (χ² = 10.32, p < 0.01) were more likely to discuss PTP with their provider, as were respondents who used ketamine (χ² = 5.23, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

This study is among the first to systemically examine patient experiences and perceptions about discussing PTP with their HCP. These data suggest the majority of patients are hesitant to discuss psychedelics with their physicians and illuminate factors associated with greater likelihood of patient–physician discussions.