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Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use of Psychedelics among Individuals with Fibromyalgia

Nicolas G. Glynos, Jennifer Pierce, Alan K. Davis, Jenna McAfee, Kevin F. Boehnke

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 10, 2022 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2021.2022817 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed
Sample size 354
Population North American adults with fibromyalgia
Topics LSD Psilocybin
Keywords Fibromyalgia Chronic pain Population Hallucinogen Perception Clinical psychology
Citations 39
Key findings Among 354 adults with fibromyalgia, 29.9% had used a psychedelic, most reported neutral or positive experiences, and the majority expressed interest in psychedelic-based treatments for their pain.

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a difficult to treat chronic pain condition for which there is strong interest in alternative treatments. There is growing interest in the potential of psychedelic substances (e.g., psilocybin) in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat chronic pain. Via a cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey, we aimed to characterize knowledge, perceptions, and past use of serotonergic ("classic") and non-serotonergic psychedelics among a population of individuals with FM, and to investigate interest in psychedelic-based FM treatments. Among a North American population of 354 participants with FM, 29.9% reported past use of a psychedelic, with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin mushrooms being most commonly used. Perceptions of benefit from psychedelic use were generally neutral (59.4%) or positive (36.8%), with <3% reporting negative impacts on overall health or pain symptoms. Among 12 participants who used psychedelics with intentions of treating chronic pain, 11 reported improved symptoms. Regardless of past use, the majority of participants believed that psychedelics have potential for chronic pain treatments and would be willing to participate in a psychedelic-based clinical trial for their pain. These findings support the need for additional studies to understand the potential and effectiveness of psychedelic substances in managing FM symptoms.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on LSD, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Survey of subjective "God encounter experiences": Comparisons among naturally occurring experiences and those occasioned by the classic psychedelics psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, or DMT Adults reporting a single most memorable God encounter experience, either nondrug or... 2019 Cross-sectional survey n = 4,285
Patterns of recreational drug use at dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland Drug users at dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, aged 16-47, 80% between 18 and... 2001 Cross-sectional survey n = 122
Development of the Psychological Insight Questionnaire among a sample of people who have consumed psilocybin or LSD Psilocybin and LSD users 2021 Cross-sectional survey study n = 1,661
Prevalence and associations of challenging, difficult or distressing experiences using classic psychedelics. US adult population 2023 Cross-sectional survey n = 2,822
Trends in LSD use among US adults: 2015-2018. US adults ages 18 and older 2020 Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data n = 168,562

Citations in the library

Cited by 33

and 28 more in the library

Cites 34

and 29 more in the library

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