Summary: A large-scale study following 9.2 million individuals in Ontario has found that people who visit emergency departments for hallucinogen-related issues face a significantly higher risk of developing schizophrenia. The research reveals that these individuals are 21 times more likely to develop schizophrenia compared to the general population.
JAMA Psychiatry, November 13, 2024, DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.3532 | Reading time: 4 minutes
As psychedelics gain popularity for both recreational and therapeutic use, new research raises important questions about their potential risks. The study, examining health data from 2008 to 2021, reveals concerning patterns in emergency department visits and subsequent mental health outcomes.
Rising Emergency Department Visits
The research shows a significant increase in hallucinogen-related emergency room visits, with an 86% rise between 2013 and 2021. “Our findings underscore a concerning link between hallucinogen use that requires care in the emergency room and increased risk of schizophrenia,” says Dr. Daniel Myran from the University of Ottawa.
The elevated risk persists even after accounting for other factors. Compared to emergency visits involving other substances, hallucinogen-related visits showed 4.7 times higher risk than alcohol and 1.5 times higher than cannabis for subsequent schizophrenia diagnosis.
Clinical Implications
The findings have particular relevance for therapeutic applications of psychedelics. “While there is enormous enthusiasm for psychedelic-assisted therapy as a new mental health treatment, we need to remember how early and limited the data remains for both the benefits and the risks,” Myran notes.
Clinical trials typically include safety measures, such as excluding individuals with personal or family histories of schizophrenia. This research suggests these precautions may be crucial, as approximately 4% of individuals with hallucinogen-related emergency visits were diagnosed with schizophrenia within three years.
Glossary of Terms
- Hallucinogens: Drugs that alter perception, including psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and MDMA
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy: Treatment using psychedelic drugs under medical supervision
- Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how people think, feel, and behave
- Emergency Department (ED): Hospital facility providing immediate medical care
Test Your Knowledge
What percentage increase in hallucinogen-related ED visits occurred between 2013-2021?
86% increase
What percentage of people with hallucinogen-related ED visits developed schizophrenia within three years?
4%
How much higher was the schizophrenia risk compared to alcohol-related ED visits?
4.7 times higher
How many individuals were included in the study?
9.2 million individuals
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