Peri-traumatic consumption of classic psychedelics is associated with lower anxiety and post-traumatic responses 3 weeks after exposure.
Einat Karp Barnir, Zohar Rubinstein, Rany Abend, Shaul Lev-Ran, Lia Naor, Mario Mikulincer
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) April 21, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/02698811251334025 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 343 |
| Population | Adult survivors of a single large-scale terrorist attack at a festival |
| Duration | 3 weeks following the attack |
| Topics | Anxiety LSD MDMA |
| Keywords | Post-traumatic responses Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Emotional trauma Worry Panic Terror attack terrorism Trauma PTSD Psychological injury Anxiety fear Distress |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key findings | Classic psychedelics were associated with lower anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms compared to MDMA or no psychedelics, especially when used without other recreational substances. |
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds for post-traumatic stress, yet the mechanisms mediating their effects remain unclear. Delineating the effect of psychedelics on traumatic memory formation could shed light on target therapeutic mechanisms. Here, we report on 343 adult survivors of a single, large-scale terrorist attack taking place during a festival in which different psychedelic compounds were consumed, in whom levels of anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms were assessed 3 weeks following the attack. Findings indicated that those who were under the influence of classic psychedelics during the attack reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and post-traumatic responses compared to those who were under the influence of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and those who consumed no psychedelics. Furthermore, the protective effects of classic psychedelics for post-traumatic responses manifested more strongly among participants who did not consume additional recreational substances alongside psychedelics. These findings suggest that pharmacologic targets of classic psychedelics may modulate the formation of enduring trauma memories and confer a protective effect against the development of post-traumatic stress and anxiety responses.