Psychedelics Like Psilocybin, MDMA Tied to Higher Odds for Schizophrenia [Video]

Key Takeaways

People whose use of psychedelics lands them in the ER are at greater risk of schizophreniaThey have a 21-fold greater risk of schizophrenia than the general populationThey have a 3.5 times greater schizophrenia risk even after controlling for other addictions and mental health problems

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 13, 2024 (HealthDay News) — People are at higher risk of schizophrenia if they indulge in psychedelic drugs, a new study warns.

Patients who land in the ER following hallucinogen use have a 21-fold higher risk of developing schizophrenia compared to the general population, Canadian researchers report.

Even after controlling for a person’s existing substance use and mental health disorders, there remained a 3.5-fold increased risk of schizophrenia after ER treatment for psychedelics use.

Hallucinogens include drugs like psilocybin, LSD, DMT (Ayahuasca) and MDMA (Ecstasy).

“Our findings underscore a concerning link between hallucinogen use that requires care in the emergency room and increased risk of schizophrenia,” said investigator Dr. Daniel Myran, research …