Title & Introduction

  • Paper Title: The Acceptability of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Amongst Mental Health Consumers: Utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour
  • Published In: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
  • Publish date: January 29, 2025
  • Authors: Eva Louie, Ellen Towers, Alyssa R. Morse, Joshua Watt, Zachary Bryant, Paul Haber, Kirsten Morley
  • Objective: To evaluate the acceptability of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) among mental health consumers using the Theory of Planned Behaviour, assessing attitudes, social influences, and behavioural intentions.
  • Importance: Understanding the acceptability of PAT can inform policy decisions and implementation strategies, aiding in the responsible integration of psychedelic treatments into mental health care.

Summary & Takeaways

Key Takeaway: Mental health consumers generally support psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly those dissatisfied with conventional treatments, but concerns remain regarding efficacy and safety.

Practical Application:
Insights from this study can guide clinicians, policymakers, and researchers in designing patient-centered interventions and regulatory frameworks for PAT.

Key Background Information

  • Context: Interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy has increased globally, particularly for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. In Australia, recent regulatory changes have approved MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, yet public perceptions and consumer acceptance remain underexplored.
  • Hypothesis: The study hypothesizes that the acceptability of PAT is influenced by consumer attitudes, previous psychedelic experiences, and dissatisfaction with conventional mental health treatments.

Methodology

  • Study Design: Cross-sectional survey using the Theory of Planned Behaviour framework.
  • Participants: 254 adult mental health consumers in Australia.
  • Intervention/Exposure: Evaluation of attitudes, social norms, and behavioral intentions regarding PAT.
  • Controls: Comparison between individuals with and without prior psychedelic use and those with varying satisfaction levels with conventional therapy.
  • Duration: Data collection occurred between February and July 2023.

Key Findings

Primary Outcomes:

  • 75% of participants expressed a desire to access PAT.
  • Those with prior psychedelic experience reported higher acceptability of PAT.
  • Negative experiences with conventional therapy were linked to a stronger preference for PAT.

Secondary Outcomes:

  • Participants expressed concerns about the potential risks and efficacy of PAT.
  • Social acceptance of PAT was moderate, influenced by peers and perceived societal norms.
  • Younger individuals and males showed a greater willingness to try PAT.

Interpretation & Implications

  • Conclusion: While PAT is broadly accepted among mental health consumers, reservations about safety and efficacy persist, necessitating further public education and clinical trials.
  • Implications: Policymakers and clinicians should consider patient perspectives when developing guidelines and access pathways for PAT, ensuring informed consent and risk awareness.
  • Limitations: The study was limited by self-reported data, potential selection bias, and overrepresentation of female participants.

Researchers & Publication

  • Researchers: Eva Louie, Ellen Towers, Alyssa R. Morse, Joshua Watt, Zachary Bryant, Paul Haber, Kirsten Morley
  • Publication Name: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
  • Study URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.70010
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