The prescription of psychedelic therapies in Australia and New Zealand: A brief survey of psychiatrists.

A survey of Australian and New Zealand psychiatrists found that most recognize a shortage of effective psychiatric treatments and believe psychedelic therapies could help address it. However, the psychiatrists reported limited knowledge about these therapies, with 60% interested in further training. Around 70% expressed concerns about psychedelic treatments, and many thought future prescribing should be restricted to psychiatrists. The authors suggest that as research and regulations evolve, up-to-date education on psychedelics for psychiatrists is needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists about psychedelics therapies. METHOD: Access to a cross-sectional survey was distributed to psychiatrists through social media channels. Attitudes and knowledge about psychedelic therapies were recorded using Likert scales and ranking questions. RESULTS: Fifty-eight complete responses were collected (44 fully trained +14 trainee RANZCP members). Greater than 85% of respondents agreed there is a shortfall in effective psychiatric treatments, and greater than 65% agreed that psychedelic therapies might address this shortfall. The psychiatrists did not consider themselves knowledgeable about psychedelic therapies, with 60% showing interest in further training on this topic. About 70% of the sample hold various concerns about psychedelic therapies, and more believe that the prescription of psychedelics should be limited to psychiatrists in the future. CONCLUSION: Considering these results in the context of a rapidly changing landscape relating to psychedelic research and regulations, we suggest there is scope to develop up-to-date education about psychedelics for psychiatrists.