Vermont Primary Care Provider Perspectives on Psychedelics - A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Pharmacology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Psychedelics are gaining attention for medical utility, prompting policy changes.
• Primary care providers (PCPs) are central to mental health treatment access.
• Understanding PCP perspectives is crucial as psychedelic therapy evolves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Vermont PCPs' familiarity with psychedelic therapy.
• To gauge PCP opinions on therapeutic potential and safety concerns.
• To evaluate PCP interest in psychedelic medicine education.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey conducted in July 2023.
• 770 Vermont PCPs surveyed regarding psychedelics (17% response rate).
• Questions covered familiarity, regulatory awareness, therapeutic value, concerns, and education needs.

Main Results:

• Two-thirds of PCPs are familiar with therapeutic psychedelic use.
• Less than half aware of current regulatory status (LSD, psilocybin, MDMA).
• 96% believe psychedelics have high therapeutic potential; concerns include youth, psychosis, and safety. 83% not concerned about inherent dangers.
• 77% interested in further education.

Conclusions:

• Vermont PCPs are familiar with psychedelics and cautiously optimistic about their therapeutic role.
• PCPs show high interest in education as psychedelic policy and medicine advance.
• Integrating research findings into PCP continuing education is essential.