Blunted Psychedelic Drug Effects in Older Adults
Jacob S. Aday, Robin Carhart-Harris, Kevin F. Boehnke
American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2026.01.007 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Drug Hallucinogen Clinical psychology Pathogenesis Peripheral |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | A consistent trend in the literature is blunted psychedelic drug effects across the lifespan. |
Abstract
Classic psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca/N,N-dimethyltryptamine, are increasingly being studied as therapeutics for myriad health conditions; however, predicting individual responses is notoriously difficult. An arguably underappreciated variable potentially moderating responses to psychedelics is age. Older adults exhibit unique pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric disorders and, accordingly, have unique treatment considerations. In the case of psychedelics, differences in life circumstances, peripheral physiology, polypharmacy, weight, and neurobiology may present unique theoretical risks and opportunities for older adults. Here, we overview increased interest in studying psychedelics in older adults and spotlight an overlooked but consistent trend that has emerged in the literature—blunted psychedelic drug effects across the lifespan.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on LSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study of a New Schizophrenomimetic Drug—Sernyl | 1959 | Review | |
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review | 2008 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| ADVERSE REACTIONS TO PSYCHEDELIC DRUGS. A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE | 1984 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Extended difficulties after psychedelic experiences: Prevalence and associations in a global, multilingual sample. Research Square April 8, 2026
- Trials, trips, and tribulations: pathways for implementing psychedelic therapy in Ireland. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology June 2, 2026
Cites 5
- Predicting Reactions to Psychedelic Drugs: A Systematic Review of States and Traits Related to Acute Drug Effects. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science March 5, 2021
- Classical and non-classical psychedelic drugs induce common network changes in human cortex. Neuroimage June 1, 2023
- Older adults in psychedelic-assisted therapy trials: A systematic review Journal of Psychopharmacology 2024
- Effects of Psychedelics in Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry May 19, 2024
- Effects of Ayahuasca on Gratitude and Relationships with Nature: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2025