Frontiers in Psychiatry
November 13, 2023
Tor-Morten Kvam, Malin V Uthaug, Kristoffer A A Andersen et al.
21 citations
In a survey of 770 Norwegian adults who had a memorable experience with a classic psychedelic substance like psilocybin or LSD, most used the substance for recreational (46.1%) or therapeutic (42.3%) reasons. Psilocybin was the most common substance for the memorable experience. Many participants reported self-perceived symptoms of mental disorders and substance use disorders, and most said their condition improved after the experience. Adverse reactions were usually mild and short-lived, but 4.2% lasted a year or more, and 2.9% had persisting flashbacks for a year or more. The findings highlight both benefits and long-term risks in a self-selecting sample.
Frontiers in pharmacology
January 1, 2025
Paula Aarseth Tunstad, Tor-Morten Kvam, Malin V Uthaug et al.
2 citations
An anonymous internet survey of Norwegian-speaking adults who had a memorable experience with a classic psychedelic substance found that 85% reported a small to large positive change in subjective wellbeing after the experience. Integration, ego dissolution, and emotional breakthrough had a clear positive predictive effect on self-reported wellbeing. Variables with smaller but significant effects included challenging experiences, nature or ceremony settings, and a therapeutic or seeking intention. The authors view these findings as hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory due to study limitations.
Front Psychiatry
September 26, 2025
Cato Grønnerød, Thea Rønningen, Ingrid Rike Haugsjå et al.
Recreational MDMA use is associated with positive experiences and self-perceived improvements in mental health, particularly for internalizing disorders like PTSD, social anxiety, and depression. In a survey of 608 Norwegian adults (mostly male and under 45), most used MDMA recreationally or therapeutically, often at home or a friend's home. The majority were well prepared and had a clear intention for use. While over 80% reported mental distress or disorders, they also noted substantial improvement. Persistent negative effects were rare and short-lived.