Speaker Bio
Adam Levin, MD is a Resident in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Ohio State University School of Medicine and an Affiliate Scholar at the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE) in the Ohio State University College of Social Work. He has worked on the design and implementation of a clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy in Veterans with PTSD and has lead several surveys focused on the interactions between drug policy, medical education and practice. In the summer of 2024, he will begin a Post-Doctoral Fellowship with the CPDRE, where his team will continue their work with Veterans and begin another clinical trial comparing psilocybin- to 5-MeO-DMT- assisted therapy for the treatment of patients with depression and lung cancer.
ICPR 2024 Abstract
Psychedelic Use Among Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Medication Prescribers: Effects on Well-Being, Depression, Anxiety, and Stigmatizing Attitudes
Theoretical Background and Rationale: Mental health professionals will likely be the primary providers of psychedelic medicines, but little is known about their personal relationships to psychedelics. This presentation will cover data from two surveys focused on the patterns and effects of personal psychedelic use in two populations of mental health professionals (psychiatrists and psychiatric medication prescribers).
Research Question and Hypothesis: What are the patterns of use and potential benefits and harms of psychedelic use in mental health professionals? We hypothesize that psychedelics may offer unique benefits, both personally and professionally, to this population.
Methods and Analysis: The first study is a cross-sectional survey of psychiatrists (N=180) in the United States recruited via email lists/listserves and personal networks. The second is a cross-sectional online survey of psychiatric medication prescribers (i.e., psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, etc.) with at least one lifetime psychedelic use (N=228).
Main Findings: In the first survey, approximately one-third (32.8%) of psychiatrists reported history of personal psychedelic use. Those with a history of personal use were more likely to be younger, have fewer years of practice and were more likely to report decreased stigma towards drugs and drug users. Among psychiatric medication prescribers, psychedelic use was associated with improvements in depression, anxiety, and well-being. Reported suicidality decreased and resilience increased. A factor analysis suggested that a cluster of mystical, interpersonal, and personal items predicted these improvements.
Conclusion:Psychedelics may confer unique benefits to mental health practitioners and may enhance some professional competencies in this population.