Lifetime classic psychedelic use and headaches: A cross-sectional study.
Zusanna Bjurenfalk, Alva Cosmo, Otto Simonsson, Caroline Ran
Journal of Psychopharmacology March 12, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/02698811251324372 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11,419 |
| Population | British adults born in 1958, participating in the National Child Development Study |
| Topics | LSD Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Headache disorders migraines Cluster headaches Health research Scientific Psychedelics hallucinogens Cephalalgia |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Lifetime use of classic psychedelics was associated with 25% lower odds of frequent bad headaches. |
Abstract
Migraine and cluster headache are two primary headache disorders for which conventional treatments are limited. Classic psychedelic substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin are potentially promising new treatment candidates for these conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible relationship between the lifetime use of classic psychedelics and frequent bad headaches in a large British cohort sample. Using data (N = 11,419) collected in 1999-2000 as part of the 1958 British National Child Development Study, this cross-sectional study used multiple logistic regression, controlling for a range of potential confounders, to test the hypothesis that lifetime use of classic psychedelics would be associated with lower odds of having frequent bad headaches. Lifetime use of classic psychedelics was associated with 25% lower odds of having frequent bad headaches (adjusted odds ratio = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59-0.95, p = 0.016). The results of the present study add to the literature suggesting classic psychedelics as a possible future prophylactic treatment option for primary headache disorders.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on LSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Classic Psychedelics for Treating Chronic Pain: Mechanism and Clinical Translation Molecules July 27, 2026
- Reporting practices in psilocybin-assisted therapy trials for depression: A descriptive review and temporal overview Journal of Psychedelic Studies July 13, 2026
- Classic Psychedelics for Chronic Pain: A Critical Review of the Literature and Practical Advice for Clinicians. Drugs June 4, 2026
- Associations between psychedelic use and migraine history in Swedish twins. Journal of Psychopharmacology May 1, 2026
Cites 20
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
- Acute Effects of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Healthy Subjects Biological Psychiatry November 29, 2014
- The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act Neuropharmacology June 5, 2018
- Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents International Review of Psychiatry July 4, 2018
- Response of cluster headache to psilocybin and LSD Neurology June 26, 2006
and 15 more in the library