Personality traits explain the relationship between psychedelic use and less depression in a comparative study
In a national Swedish sample of 400 psychedelic users and 400 matched non‑users, psychedelic users reported lower depressive symptoms, much higher openness and greater drug use; the apparent link between psychedelic use and reduced depression was statistically explained by lower neuroticism, indicating personality traits partly mediate this association.
Authors
- Sjöström, D. K.
- Claesdotter-Knutsson, E.
- Kajonius, P. J.
Published
Abstract
Interest in psychedelics is increasing due to the potential for improved mental health and quality of life. However, adverse effects on mental health are still a concern. Personality traits have been suggested to both influence the psychedelic experience and mental health, and even be changed by psychedelic use. The present study describes for the first time a national sample of Swedish psychedelic users (n = 400) compared to a sex and age-matched control-group of non-users (n = 400) regarding mental health variables (depression, insomnia, problematic alcohol and drug use, and dissociation) and personality (Big Five). Data was collected in an online survey including individuals from 16 years of age who had at least one psychedelic experience. The main results reported psychedelic users as less depressed (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) (d = − 0.29) and having more use of drugs (Drug Use Disorders Identification Test; DUDIT) (d = 1.27). In the Big Five personality traits, openness differed notably (d = 1.72), and the between-group effects in PHQ-9 were explained by lower neuroticism. Our findings reveal that psychedelic users report less depression and higher drug use, and this is partly due to personality traits. These results have implications on how we view psychedelic users and the use of psychedelic drugs.
Research Summary of 'Personality traits explain the relationship between psychedelic use and less depression in a comparative study'
Introduction
Sjöström and colleagues situate their study within a renewed scientific and public interest in classical psychedelics — compounds such as psilocybin, LSD, mescaline, ibogaine and DMT that primarily act as 5-HT2A receptor agonists. The Introduction outlines two broad, partly competing observations from prior work: clinical and some naturalistic studies report beneficial mental health effects including reductions in depressive symptoms, and there are also reports that psychedelic experiences can be associated with durable changes in personality, particularly increases in openness. At the same time, concerns persist about adverse outcomes (for example dissociation or substance use problems) and the causal direction between personality, psychedelic use, and mental health remains unclear. The present study therefore aims to compare mental health screening outcomes and Big Five personality traits between a sample of Swedish recreational psychedelic users and an age- and sex-matched sample of non-users, and to test whether personality differences can account for any observed mental health differences. The researchers emphasize this as the first national sample in Sweden to examine these associations using standardised screening instruments and statistical controls for personality traits.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Topics
- APA Citation
Sjöström, D. K., Claesdotter-Knutsson, E., & Kajonius, P. J. (2024). Personality traits explain the relationship between psychedelic use and less depression in a comparative study. Scientific Reports, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-60890-1
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