Interest in receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy among marginalized women: Implications and findings from a community-based study in Canada
This survey study (n=486) assessed the interest a cohort of marginalized women have in receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). Of them, 43% (n=211) were interested in receiving PAT while factors associated with an interest in PAT included daily crystal methamphetamine use, lifetime mental health condition, childhood abuse and lifetime psychedelic use.
Authors
- Elena Argento
Published
Abstract
Background
Psychedelic-assisted therapies are receiving mounting attention for their therapeutic potential. However, little is known about interest among women who experience elevated risk of mental health and substance use disorders. This study examined interest in receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy and socio-structural factors associated with interest among marginalized women.
Methods
Data (2016-2017) were drawn from two community-based, prospective open cohorts of >1000 marginalized women in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression examined associations with an interest in receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy. Among women who used psychedelics, additional data were collected to describe ratings of personal meaningfulness, sense of wellbeing, and spiritual significance.
Results
Of 486 eligible participants (aged 20-67 years), 43% (n=211) were interested in receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy. Over half identified as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit). Factors independently associated with interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy in multivariable analysis included: daily crystal methamphetamine use in the last six months (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 3.02; 95%Confidence Interval (CI) 1.37-6.65), lifetime mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder) (AOR 2.13; 95%CI 1.27-3.59), childhood abuse (AOR 1.99; 95%CI 1.02-3.88), lifetime psychedelic use (AOR 1.97; 95%CI 1.14-3.38), and younger age (AOR 0.97 per year older; 95%CI 0.95-0.99).
Conclusions
Several mental health and substance use-related variables that have been demonstrated to be amenable to psychedelic-assisted therapy were associated with interest in receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy among women in this setting. As the access to psychedelic-assisted therapies continues to expand, any future approaches to extend psychedelic medicine to marginalized women should integrate trauma-informed care and broader socio-structural supports.
Research Summary of 'Interest in receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy among marginalized women: Implications and findings from a community-based study in Canada'
Introduction
Argento and colleagues situate their study within the recent revival of clinical and population research on psychedelics — including LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca/DMT and MDMA — which has shown promise for treatment-resistant depression, end-of-life anxiety, PTSD and several substance use disorders. The authors note persistent gaps in equity and representation in psychedelic research: most trials to date have enrolled predominantly white participants, and it remains unclear whether structurally marginalised groups who bear a high burden of trauma, violence, mental health and substance use harms would be interested in, or benefit from, psychedelic-assisted therapy. The introduction also summarises hypothesised mechanisms of action (e.g. 5-HT2A receptor agonism, increased neural plasticity, and psychologically meaningful or mystical-type experiences) and highlights the potential risks of administering psychedelics without culturally safe, trauma-informed supports. This study therefore aimed to measure interest in receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy among marginalised women in Vancouver, Canada, and to identify socio-structural and clinical factors associated with that interest. A secondary aim was to describe, among women with prior psychedelic use, self-reported impacts on personal meaningfulness, wellbeing and spiritual significance. The authors framed the work as the first global examination of interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy specifically within a marginalised-women population, with implications for equitable design and delivery of future services.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
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- APA Citation
Argento, E., Goldenberg, S., Deering, K., Lavalley, J., Braschel, M., Bingham, B., & Shannon, K. (2022). Interest in receiving psychedelic-assisted therapy among marginalized women: Implications and findings from a community-based study in Canada. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 3, 100044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100044
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