Increased LSD Use Observed Among Adults with Depression: JAMA

Written By : Jacinthlyn Sylvia |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2023-10-19T06:00:00+05:30 | Updated On 19 Oct 2023 6:00 AM IST

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of hallucinogenic substances like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This findings published in JAMA Psychiatry found an increase in the prevalence of LSD use among individuals with depression, according to a study that analyzed data from 2008 to 2019.

The study analyzed data from a staggering 478,492 adults aged 18 and older, discovered that past-year LSD use increased significantly more among adults with major depression during this period. In 2008, the prevalence of past-year LSD use in this group was 0.5%, but by 2019, it had risen to 1.8%. This represents a prevalence difference of 1.3%. Meanwhile, among adults without major depression, the prevalence increased from 0.2% in 2008 to 0.8% in 2019, a difference of 0.6%.

The data also highlights the differences in LSD use trends among specific demographic groups. Young adults aged 34 years or younger, who had depression, experienced a particularly significant increase in past-year LSD use. The prevalence difference among those aged 18-25 years with depression was 3.3%, and among those aged 26-34 years with depression, it was 2.7%. Individuals with lower household incomes also showed a notable rise in LSD use, with a prevalence difference of 1.9% among those with an income less than $20,000, 1.5% among those with incomes ranging from $20,000 to $49,999, and 1.3% among those earning $50,000 to $74,999.

These findings raise concerns about the potential consequences of increased LSD use, especially among individuals with depression. Clinicians and mental health professionals may need to consider strategies for harm reduction and ensuring that these individuals are aware of the potential risks and benefits in medically unsupervised settings.

The reasons behind this trend are complex and could be influenced by changing perceptions of LSD and its potential therapeutic uses. While there is a growing body of research exploring the benefits of hallucinogens in mental health treatment, it's crucial to approach these substances with caution and in controlled, therapeutic settings.

Source:

Walsh, C. A., Gorfinkel, L., Shmulewitz, D., Stohl, M., & Hasin, D. S. (2023). Use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide by Major Depression Status. In JAMA Psychiatry. American Medical Association (AMA). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.3867

JAMA Psychiatrymajor depressionLysergic Acid Diethylamide

Source : JAMA Psychiatry

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Neuroscience Masters graduate

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751