A new study has found that individuals who visit emergency departments (ED) due to hallucinogen use have a significantly higher risk of developing schizophrenia.
The research, conducted by scientists from ICES, The Ottawa Hospital, the University of Ottawa, and the Bruyère Health Research Institute, was published in JAMA Psychiatry.
The study is particularly relevant as psychedelics, a type of hallucinogen, are gaining popularity for both recreational use and potential therapeutic benefits. Psychedelics include substances such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), LSD, DMT (ayahuasca), and MDMA (ecstasy).
The Study and Its Findings
Researchers analyzed health records of more than 9.2 million people in Ontario, Canada, between 2008 and 2021. They focused on individuals who had an ED visit related to hallucinogen use and compared their long-term risk of developing schizophrenia to the general population.
Key findings include:
- People who had an ED visit due to hallucinogen use were 21 times more likely to develop schizophrenia within three years compared to the general population.
- Even after adjusting for other substance use and mental health conditions, the risk remained significantly elevated, at 3.5 times higher than the general population.
- Between 2013 and 2021, ED visits related to hallucinogens increased by 86%, suggesting a growing trend in hallucinogen use.
- Individuals with hallucinogen-related ED visits had a 4.7 times higher risk of schizophrenia compared to those who had ED visits due to alcohol use and 1.5 times higher risk compared to cannabis-related ED visits.
Within three years of a hallucinogen-related ED visit, 4% of these individuals were diagnosed with schizophrenia, compared to just 0.15% of the general population during the same time period.
What These Findings Mean
The study does not prove that hallucinogens directly cause schizophrenia, but it does highlight a strong connection between hallucinogen-related ED visits and schizophrenia diagnosis. This suggests that hallucinogen use may be particularly risky for individuals who are already vulnerable to psychosis.
Dr. Daniel Myran, the lead researcher, warns that while there is excitement about psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health treatment, there is still limited data on both the benefits and risks of these substances. He emphasizes the need for caution, especially outside of controlled clinical trials.
In clinical trials, participants using psychedelics are carefully screened, with individuals who have a personal or family history of schizophrenia typically excluded. They also receive close monitoring. However, in real-world settings, such safeguards do not exist, which may increase the risk of adverse effects, including serious mental health conditions.
Dr. Marco Solmi, a co-author of the study, notes that identifying individuals who are more vulnerable to these risks is critical. Future research could help refine screening methods to prevent serious complications from psychedelic use and ensure safer practices in both recreational and therapeutic contexts.
The Need for Further Research
The rising popularity of psychedelics means that public health officials and researchers must better understand the risks associated with their use. The study authors stress the importance of further research to explore how different hallucinogens, dosages, and patterns of use contribute to schizophrenia risk.
Additionally, public health measures should focus on educating people about the risks of hallucinogens, particularly those who may have an underlying susceptibility to psychosis. This could help prevent more cases of severe mental illness linked to hallucinogen use.
Final Thoughts
This study serves as an important warning about the potential dangers of hallucinogen use, particularly for individuals who require emergency medical care after using these substances.
While psychedelics continue to attract interest for their potential therapeutic benefits, these findings underscore the need for careful consideration, screening, and further research to ensure their safe use.
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The research findings can be found in JAMA Psychiatry.
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