15 Surprising Statistics About Psychedelic Therapy’s Mental Health Impact
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re well aware of the potential of psychedelics to treat a wide range of mental health issues. But the vast majority of society still thinks of these drugs as, well…drugs…and nothing more. But the truth is there have been numerous clinical trials and studies by vetted institutions (i.e. actual scientists in white lab coats). And these studies show the potential that psychedelics hold. This isn’t just the stuff for Phish shows. Psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, ayahuasca, ibogaine, DMT and a few others have the potential the change the mental health treatment landscape forever. (This is just one reason why the FDA approved ketamine to treat depression. And why it looks like the FDA may approve MDMA to treat PTSD in late 2024.)
So the next time you’re having a conversation with someone who may not be a believer, pull out a few of these statistics to help them understand.
RELATED: Interested in Being Part of a Psychedelics-Focused Clinical Trial? Sign Up Here
15 Super Surprising Statistics About Psychedelics Potential for Mental Health Treatment
1. Psilocybin for Depression:
In a study, 71% of participants with major depression showed more than 50% reduction in symptoms four weeks after two psilocybin sessions (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
2. Ketamine for Depression:
A study found that ketamine rapidly reduced suicidal thoughts in 55% of patients with treatment-resistant depression (American Journal of Psychiatry).
3. Ibogaine for Opioid Addiction:
Research indicated a 50% reduction in opioid withdrawal symptoms after a single dose of ibogaine (Journal of Ethnopharmacology).
4. Ayahuasca for Depression:
In a Brazilian study, ayahuasca showed significant antidepressant effects, with a reduction in depression severity scores by 64% one day after treatment (Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry).
RELATED: Find Psilocybin Retreats in Oregon and Around the Globe
5. Psilocybin for End-of-Life Anxiety:
80% of cancer patients showed significant reductions in anxiety and depression after psilocybin therapy (Journal of Psychopharmacology).
6. MDMA for Social Anxiety in Autistic Adults:
A study found a significant decrease in social anxiety symptoms, with a 44.7% reduction in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale score (Psychopharmacology).
7. Ketamine for Chronic Pain:
In a study investigating the effects of ketamine on patients with refractory chronic pain, it was found that ketamine infusions led to a notable reduction in both pain and associated mental health conditions. Specifically, there was a 52% reduction in pain severity, a 33% decrease in pain interference scores, a 28% reduction in depression scores (measured by PHQ-9), and a 36% decrease in anxiety scores (measured by GAD-7) (Future Medicine).
8. Ibogaine for Substance Dependence:
75% of participants reported reduced craving and withdrawal symptoms after ibogaine treatment for substance dependence (Journal of Psychoactive Drugs)
9. Ayahuasca for Trauma-Related Disorders:
Clinical research indicated a 62% reduction in trauma-related disorder symptoms after ayahuasca therapy (Frontiers in Psychology).
10 . Psilocybin for Smoking Cessation:
80% abstinence rate from smoking was reported six months after psilocybin-assisted therapy (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
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11. Psilocybin for Alcohol Dependence:
A study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy led to a significant reduction in heavy drinking days among participants with alcohol dependence. After receiving psilocybin therapy combined with psychotherapy, participants reported a 59% decrease in heavy drinking days compared to baseline levels (JAMA Psychiatry).
12. Ketamine for Rapid Antidepressant Effects:
71% of patients experienced a significant antidepressant effect within 24 hours of a single ketamine infusion and 35% for at least a week. (Psychiatric Times).
13. Ayahuasca for Personal Growth:
72% of participants reported increased mindfulness and life satisfaction after ayahuasca sessions (Journal of Human Psychopharmacology).
14. Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression:
42% of participants maintained reduced depression scores 3 months post-treatment (The Lancet Psychiatry).
15. MDMA for PTSD:
Phase 3 clinical trials showed that 67% of participants treated with MDMA-assisted therapy no longer qualified for PTSD after three sessions (MAPS).
We’ll be updating this as more data comes out (I’m sure we missed a few already. If you know if any others that should be added here — or any we got wrong — please email info@healingmaps.com.)
