Systematic Review of Psychometric Instruments Used in Research with Psychedelics

Area of Science:

• Psychopharmacology
• Psychometrics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Research into the subjective effects of psychedelic drugs is experiencing a resurgence.
• Health sciences are exploring potential therapeutic benefits, necessitating robust psychological measurement tools.
• Existing instruments for assessing psychedelic experiences face criticism regarding quantity and psychometric validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review available psychometric instruments for evaluating subjective states induced by psychedelic substances.
• To identify and describe the characteristics of current measurement tools used in psychedelic research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across five major databases (Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed).
• Search terms combined keywords related to psychometrics and psychedelics.
• Studies published between 1990 and 2021 were included, with fifteen articles meeting the selection criteria.

Main Results:

• Nine distinct psychometric instruments were identified and evaluated: MEQ, 5D-ASC, HRS, PSI, EDI, CEQ, EBI, EDI, and PIQ.
• Eight instruments focused on the phenomenological aspects of psychedelic experiences.
• One instrument served as a screening tool for psychotic or manic episodes.

Conclusions:

• The number of instruments for psychedelic research is increasing.
• Despite advancements, significant aspects of the psychedelic experience remain unmeasured, indicating a need for new or refined assessment tools.