Patients’ Attitudes Toward Hallucinogenic and Non-Hallucinogenic Psilocybin for Mental Health Treatment

Abstract

This study examined patient perspectives on psilocybin therapy, specifically their acceptance and views on the therapeutic benefits of both hallucinogenic and non-hallucinogenic forms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among psychiatric patients aged 18–65 at a community mental health center, assessing their attitudes, knowledge, and acceptance of psilocybin therapy. In total, 62.4% of the participants expressed openness to hallucinogenic psilocybin (p =.009), while 60.4% were open to non-hallucinogenic forms (p =.023). Patients with major depressive disorder preferred hallucinogenic therapy more (p =.010), while those with borderline personality disorder (BPD) (p =.030) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (p =.035) favored non-hallucinogenic options, possibly due to concerns about the intensity of hallucinogenic experiences. Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) demonstrated a greater acceptance of both hallucinogenic (p =.007) and non-hallucinogenic forms (p =.046) than individuals without SUD. These findings suggest that societal stigma is not a significant barrier to psilocybin therapy and that non-hallucinogenic forms may provide a more accessible option for certain patient groups. Understanding patient perspectives on psilocybin therapy, including vulnerability to adverse hallucinogenic experiences, can inform personalized and effective treatments for resistant conditions.