The prescription of psychedelic therapies in Australia and New Zealand: A brief survey of psychiatrists

Abstract

Objective To explore the knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists about psychedelics therapies. Method Access to a cross-sectional survey was distributed to psychiatrists through social media channels. Attitudes and knowledge about psychedelic therapies were recorded using Likert scales and ranking questions. Results Fifty-eight complete responses were collected (44 fully trained +14 trainee RANZCP members). Greater than 85% of respondents agreed there is a shortfall in effective psychiatric treatments, and greater than 65% agreed that psychedelic therapies might address this shortfall. The psychiatrists did not consider themselves knowledgeable about psychedelic therapies, with 60% showing interest in further training on this topic. About 70% of the sample hold various concerns about psychedelic therapies, and more believe that the prescription of psychedelics should be limited to psychiatrists in the future. Conclusion Considering these results in the context of a rapidly changing landscape relating to psychedelic research and regulations, we suggest there is scope to develop up-to-date education about psychedelics for psychiatrists.