Medical student attitudes and perceptions of psychedelic-assisted therapies

Medical students in Nevada hold generally positive attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapies but lack knowledge about them. In a survey of 132 students (22.7% response rate), 78.6% agreed that psychedelics have therapeutic potential, and 95.2% agreed they deserve further research. Students expressed uncertainty about neurocognitive risks. Demographic factors such as age, sex, and level of training did not significantly affect attitudes. The authors suggest that as psychedelic therapies may soon gain federal approval for psychiatric conditions, medical training should include early education on these agents to prepare future clinicians.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction Although certain psychedelic agents may soon gain federal approval for use in treating specific psychiatric conditions, the utilization of such therapies in clinical practice will depend largely on the attitudes of healthcare providers. Therefore, this study assesses the current attitudes, knowledge, exposure, and acceptance of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapies amongst medical students. Methods In fall semester of 2022, surveys were emailed to 580 medical students attending medical institutions in the state of Nevada in the United States. Utilizing knowledge and attitude items from previously published studies, the survey collected demographic data and assessed student attitudes with five-point Likert-scale variables. Data was analyzed using summary statistics and Kruskal-Wallis tests for differences in mean survey scores (i.e., attitudes towards psychedelics) based on demographic factors. Results 132 medical students participated in the survey (22.7% response rate). Medical students demonstrated overall positive attitudes towards psychedelics, lack of knowledge regarding psychedelics, and uncertainty towards neurocognitive risks of psychedelics. Overall, 78.6% of students agreed that psychedelics have therapeutic potential, while 95.2% agreed that psychedelics deserves further research in assessing this potential. Additionally, there was no statistically significant effect of demographic variables, including age, sex, and level of training, on attitudes. Discussion Although students are overall curious and optimistic about psychedelics, they demonstrate a lack of knowledge regarding recent research efforts. As the field of psychiatry prepares to implement psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapies, education and awareness of such agents should be initiated early on in medical clinical training.