The prescription of psychedelic therapies in Australia and New Zealand: A brief survey of psychiatrists.
Joshua J Berger, Paul B Fitzgerald
Australas Psychiatry February 13, 2023 DOI: 10.1177/10398562231156684 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 58 |
| Population | Psychiatrists (fully trained and trainee RANZCP members) in Australia and New Zealand |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychedelic treatment Psychedelic medicine Psychedelic drugs Psychedelic substances Psychiatric care Mental healthcare Mental well-being Psychological health Clinical perspectives Medical attitudes Professional views Clinical opinions Healthcare perspectives Doctor's views Anz healthcare Oceania psychiatry Australasian mental health |
| Citations | 19 |
| Key findings | Over 65% of psychiatrists agreed that psychedelic therapies might address the shortfall in effective psychiatric treatments, yet most lacked knowledge and 70% held concerns about such therapies. |
Abstract
Objective: To explore the knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists about psychedelics therapies.
Method: Access to a cross-sectional survey was distributed to psychiatrists through social media channels. Attitudes and knowledge about psychedelic therapies were recorded using Likert scales and ranking questions.
Results: Fifty-eight complete responses were collected (44 fully trained +14 trainee RANZCP members). Greater than 85% of respondents agreed there is a shortfall in effective psychiatric treatments, and greater than 65% agreed that psychedelic therapies might address this shortfall. The psychiatrists did not consider themselves knowledgeable about psychedelic therapies, with 60% showing interest in further training on this topic. About 70% of the sample hold various concerns about psychedelic therapies, and more believe that the prescription of psychedelics should be limited to psychiatrists in the future.
Conclusion: Considering these results in the context of a rapidly changing landscape relating to psychedelic research and regulations, we suggest there is scope to develop up-to-date education about psychedelics for psychiatrists.