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Personality traits explain the relationship between psychedelic use and less depression in a comparative study.
David K Sjöström1, Emma Claesdotter-Knutsson1,2, Petri J Kajonius3
1Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Scientific Reports
|May 3, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic users report lower depression and higher drug use compared to non-users. Personality traits, particularly openness and lower neuroticism, partly explain these mental health differences in psychedelic consumers.
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology and mental health research.
- Investigating the impact of psychedelic substances on psychological well-being.
Background:
- Growing interest in psychedelics for mental health benefits.
- Concerns remain regarding potential adverse psychological effects.
- Personality traits may influence psychedelic experiences and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare mental health and personality traits between Swedish psychedelic users and non-users.
- To explore the relationship between personality and mental health in psychedelic users.
Main Methods:
- A national online survey of 400 Swedish psychedelic users and 400 matched controls.
- Assessment of mental health variables: depression (PHQ-9), insomnia, problematic alcohol and drug use (DUDIT), and dissociation.
- Evaluation of personality using the Big Five inventory.
Main Results:
- Psychedelic users reported significantly less depression (PHQ-9) and higher drug use (DUDIT).
- Openness was a notably higher trait in psychedelic users.
- Lower neuroticism scores in users partially explained the reduced depression levels.
Conclusions:
- Psychedelic users exhibit distinct mental health profiles, characterized by less depression and higher drug use.
- Personality traits, especially lower neuroticism and higher openness, are associated with these differences.
- Findings suggest a complex interplay between psychedelic use, personality, and mental health outcomes.
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