Hallucinogens and Psychosis: Reassessing Risk Factors and Benefits

The intricate relationship between hallucinogenic drug use and the emergence of psychosis has garnered increasing attention, particularly as the popularity of these substances continues to rise.

A recent Canadian study has sought to illuminate whether those hospitalized for hallucinogen-related issues face heightened risks for serious mental health complications, notably schizophrenia spectrum disorder, which encompasses both schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Understanding Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

Schizophrenia spectrum disorder is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, often intertwined with mood disorders like depression or mania.

To delve into this pressing issue, researchers analyzed hospital admission records from Ontario over a 13-year period, beginning in 2008.

Their investigation identified over 5,000 people who required emergency care due to complications linked with hallucinogen use.

Among this cohort, 208 people—approximately 4 percent—received a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder within three years of their emergency visit.

Initial findings suggested a remarkable 21-fold increase in the likelihood of developing this disorder after adjusting for age and sex.

However, this figure was later revised to a more nuanced 3.5-fold increase when factoring in additional mental health conditions and the use of other substances.

Nevertheless, this substantial risk remains significant.

Comparative Risks of Different Substances

Further scrutiny of the data unveiled intriguing comparisons with other substances.

Emergency visits related to alcohol were associated with a 4.7-fold increased risk of developing schizophrenia spectrum disorder, while visits tied to cannabis use indicated a more modest 1.5-fold increase.

These findings suggest that alcohol-related emergencies posed a greater risk for SSD diagnoses than hallucinogens, with cannabis-related visits showing the least risk over the same three-year period.

The conversation surrounding the dangers of various substances often lacks a rigorous empirical foundation.

A noteworthy study from 2009, conducted by Professor David Nutt, assessed the risks associated with different drugs, ranking them based on their potential harm to users and those around them.

Interestingly, this study positioned alcohol as the most hazardous drug, followed by heroin and crack cocaine, while hallucinogens like LSD and magic mushrooms were deemed to pose comparatively minimal risks.

Should the findings of the Canadian study withstand further validation, they might prompt a critical reassessment of the perceived dangers linked with hallucinogen use.

Therapeutic Potential and Ongoing Concerns

The connection between cannabis consumption and schizophrenia first emerged in a 1987 study involving a cohort of 45,000 Swedish soldiers.

That research indicated that those who reported high levels of cannabis use were six times more likely to develop schizophrenia over a 15-year period.

The disparity in findings between the recent Canadian study and the earlier research on cannabis may arise from differences in consumption patterns and lengths of follow-up.

Amid these discussions, recent clinical trials have stirred excitement within the psychiatric community, suggesting that substances such as LSD and psilocybin could offer therapeutic benefits for a range of mental health disorders.

While the dosages used in these trials mirror those commonly consumed recreationally, clinical applications typically involve less frequent use.

Remarkably, a single dose of psilocybin has demonstrated the ability to ease depressive symptoms for several months in patients unresponsive to traditional treatments, while a singular dose of LSD may alleviate anxiety for up to 16 weeks.

In contrast, recreational users are more likely to consume these substances with greater frequency.

Although the evidence supporting occasional therapeutic use of hallucinogens remains limited in terms of long-term adverse effects, it is advisable for patients undergoing treatment with these substances to be monitored over a decade or more to ensure their ongoing safety.

Notably, one limitation of the Canadian study is its lack of detailed information regarding the specific types of hallucinogens consumed.

The illicit nature of these substances raises additional concerns about their purity, as they may contain harmful impurities.

Despite these challenges, the study’s findings invite pressing questions about the clinical role of hallucinogens and underscore the importance of continued vigilance regarding the risks associated with alcohol misuse.

As researchers navigate the complex landscape of mental health and substance use, new insights may pave the way for a deeper understanding of these substances and their potential impacts on human psychology.

Study Details:

• Title: Being admitted to hospital after taking hallucinogens increases the risk of schizophrenia more than threefold
• Authors: Colin Davidson
• Source: The Conversation
• Publication Date: December 4, 2024
• Link: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-12-hospital-hallucinogens-schizophrenia-threefold.