Psychedelics such as DMT, LSD, and psilocybin have shown significant potential in treating affective symptoms across a variety of disorders. These substances induce altered states of consciousness characterized by intensified perceptions and emotions, which are linked to therapeutic benefits. However, the inclusion of older individuals in psychedelic studies has been limited, leaving questions about the safety and effectiveness of these treatments for this age group unanswered.
Recent research offers new insights into the effects of psychedelics on older adults, particularly during retreats. This research has found that older adults experience improvements in well-being after participating in psychedelic retreats, similar to younger participants.
The study was coauthored by Assistant Professor of Neurology Lorenzo Pasquini and PhD candidate Hannes Kettner from the Center for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. The researchers targeted individuals who planned to attend guided psychedelic sessions or retreats, recruiting participants through newsletters, social media, retreat facilitators, and forums. Participants needed to be at least 18 years old, understand English, and plan to attend a retreat involving substances such as ayahuasca, LSD, psilocybin, or mescaline.
Methodology and Key Findings
Participants completed several surveys at four different times, including before and immediately after the sessions. The researchers evaluated baseline predictors such as gender, age, previous psychedelic use, psychiatric history, and education. They also measured the acute effects of psychedelics using scales such as the Communitas Scale, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire, and the Ego-Dissolution Inventory.
The research revealed that older individuals experienced significant improvements in mental well-being after participating in psychedelic sessions using substances like LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and ayahuasca. Interestingly, older adults reported less intense severe psychedelic effects compared to their younger counterparts.
Social Interactions and Well-Being
One of the key findings was that shared joy and a sense of togetherness during group activities were major predictors of improvements in the well-being of older individuals. This sense of community and shared experience played a critical role in the therapeutic outcomes observed.
Additionally, the researchers noted that improvements in well-being were more pronounced in participants with a history of psychiatric diagnoses. This suggests that psychedelics may offer particular benefits to those with preexisting mental health conditions.
Limitations and Future Directions
The study did have some limitations, such as a non-representative sample and the absence of control groups. The researchers emphasized the need for future studies to explore the effects of psychedelics on more diverse populations and within controlled environments.
Other researchers involved in the study included Adam Gazzaley, Leor Roseman, and Robin L. Carhart-Harris. Their findings were published in the “American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.”
Expanding the Scope of Psychedelic Research
Numerous entities, such as atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ: ATAI), are conducting further research to understand and leverage the therapeutic and wellness potential of psychedelics. These ongoing studies will provide deeper insights into how different groups, including seniors, can benefit from these substances.
What’s Next?
The research into the effects of psychedelics on older adults is still in its early stages, but the initial findings are promising. Psychedelic retreats and guided sessions have shown potential in improving mental well-being among older individuals, with less severe psychedelic effects and a notable impact on those with psychiatric histories. Future research will be crucial in validating these findings and expanding our understanding of the therapeutic applications of psychedelics across different age groups.