Factors Associated with Intentions to Use Psilocybin for Mental Health in Relation to Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Medications, and Natural/Synthetic Options
Brian P. Meier, Courtney M. Lappas, Matthew W. Johnson
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2026.2727013 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Survey research (two studies) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,102 |
| Population | Adults (implied by survey context; not explicitly stated) |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Key findings | Participants reported lower intentions to use psilocybin than psychotherapy or psychiatric medications. Natural psilocybin was preferred over synthetic versions. Psilocybin intentions were negatively associated with age and positively associated with mindfulness, narcissism, and current depression. |
Abstract
= 1,102), we examined the intentions to use psilocybin in a mental health context in relation to psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, and natural versus synthetic options. We also examined potential predictors of the intentions to use psilocybin. In Study 1, we found that participants had significantly lower intentions to use psilocybin in a mental health context versus psychotherapy and traditional psychiatric medications. We also found that males reported being more open to using psilocybin as compared to females whereas females reported being more open than males to using psychotherapy. Finally, psilocybin use intentions were negatively associated with age, and positively associated with mindfulness, narcissism, and current self-reported depression. In Study 2, we found that participants had stronger intentions to use a natural version of psilocybin isolated from mushrooms as compared to an identical synthetic version or a synthetic psilocybin analog that elicits the same biological effects (i.e. the three types of psilocybin or psilocybin-like compounds currently of interest). Overall, these studies provide novel insights into the factors that might influence psilocybin use in a mental health context if FDA-approved.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences Individuals who had consumed psilocybin mushrooms and experienced a psychologically... | 2016 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 1,993 |
| The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms Internet survey respondents reporting challenging experiences with psilocybin | 2016 | Questionnaire development and validation | |
| Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Population Study Adult population in the United States | 2013 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 130,152 |
| Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use Individuals with prior alcohol use disorder who reported cessation or reduction in... | 2019 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 343 |
| Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students | 2006 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 149 |
Citations in the library
Cites 12
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder JAMA August 31, 2023
- Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics November 4, 2016
- Psilocybin: from ancient magic to modern medicine The Journal of Antibiotics May 12, 2020
and 7 more in the library