Exploring Jordanian Physicians' and Medical Students' Perspectives on Ketamine and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies: An Insight from the Middle East.
Khalid E Ahmed, Dima Abu Nasrieh, Haneen A Banihani, Mohammed Fadi Obaidat, Toni Mazzawi, Azzah Khalid Al-Tarawneh, Radwan Bani Mustafa, Zaid Al Kayed
Journal of psychoactive drugs July 6, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2526403 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMost Jordanian physicians and medical students have limited familiarity with psychedelics and ketamine as mental health treatments. A survey of 1,985 respondents showed that LSD was the most recognized substance, while fewer identified psilocybin or MDMA. Attitudes varied by age, gender, and prior familiarity, but not by professional status. Three attitude groups emerged: 1,000 opposers, 677 cautious individuals, and 308 supporters. The findings indicate a need for targeted education to improve understanding of these emerging therapies within Jordan's medical community.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,985 |
| Population | Jordanian physicians and medical students |
| Duration | July to August 2024 |
| Topics | Ketamine |
| Keywords | Attitudes Jordan Medical students Mental health treatments |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Most Jordanian healthcare professionals have limited familiarity with psychedelic substances, and attitudes are mixed, with the largest group opposing their medical use. |
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapies and ketamine are two modalities gaining attention in psychiatry for treating conditions such as depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. However, perceptions of these treatments vary globally. This study explores the familiarity, attitudes, and perceptions of Jordanian physicians and medical students toward psychedelic substances, addressing a gap in Middle Eastern research. A cross-sectional study conducted from July to August 2024 utilized a validated online survey among medical students and physicians in Jordan. The survey covered demographics, familiarity to psychedelics and ketamine, attitudes toward their medical use, and concerns about risks and legality. Statistical analyses, including multivariate regression and factor analysis, assessed the influence of demographics on participant perspectives. Of the 1,985 respondents, most had limited familiarity to psychedelics. LSD was the most recognized substance, while fewer participants identified psilocybin or MDMA. familiarity and attitudes varied significantly by age, gender, and prior familiarity, with professional status showing no impact. Three attitude clusters emerged: opposers (n = 1000), cautious (n = 677), and supporters (n = 308), each influenced by different demographics. This study reveals a notable familiarity gap and mixed attitudes toward psychedelic therapies among Jordanian healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for targeted education to enhance understanding of these treatments in Jordan's medical community.