In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of hallucinogenic substances like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This findings published in JAMA Psychiatry found an increase in the prevalence of LSD use among individuals with depression, according to a study that analyzed data from 2008 to 2019.
The study analyzed data from a staggering 478,492 adults aged 18 and older, discovered that past-year LSD use increased significantly more among adults with major depression during this period. In 2008, the prevalence of past-year LSD use in this group was 0.5%, but by 2019, it had risen to 1.8%. This represents a prevalence difference of 1.3%. Meanwhile, among adults without major depression, the prevalence increased from 0.2% in 2008 to 0.8% in 2019, a difference of 0.6%.
The data also highlights the differences in LSD use trends among specific demographic groups. Young adults aged 34 years or younger, who had depression, experienced a particularly significant increase in past-year LSD use. The prevalence difference among those aged 18-25 years with depression was 3.3%, and among those aged 26-34 years with depression, it was 2.7%. Individuals with lower household incomes also showed a notable rise in LSD use, with a prevalence difference of 1.9% among those with an income less than $20,000, 1.5% among those with incomes ranging from $20,000 to $49,999, and 1.3% among those earning $50,000 to $74,999.
These findings raise concerns about the potential consequences of increased LSD use, especially among individuals with depression. Clinicians and mental health professionals may need to consider strategies for harm reduction and ensuring that these individuals are aware of the potential risks and benefits in medically unsupervised settings.
The reasons behind this trend are complex and could be influenced by changing perceptions of LSD and its potential therapeutic uses. While there is a growing body of research exploring the benefits of hallucinogens in mental health treatment, it's crucial to approach these substances with caution and in controlled, therapeutic settings.
Source:
Walsh, C. A., Gorfinkel, L., Shmulewitz, D., Stohl, M., & Hasin, D. S. (2023). Use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide by Major Depression Status. In JAMA Psychiatry. American Medical Association (AMA). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.3867