Prevalence and associations of challenging, difficult or distressing experiences using classic psychedelics.

Title	Prevalence and associations of challenging, difficult or distressing experiences using classic psychedelics.
Authors	Otto Simonsson, Peter S Hendricks, Richard Chambers, Walter Osika and Simon B Goldberg
Magazine	Journal of affective disorders
Date	04/01/2023
DOI	10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.073
Introduction	While previous academic outputs have addressed challenging, difficult, or distressing classic psychedelic experiences, their general occurrence and related factors remain less understood. This study utilised nationally representative data from the UK adult population (N = 2,822) to evaluate the frequency and correlates of such experiences among a subgroup of respondents reporting lifetime classic psychedelic use (n = 613). A significant portion (59.1%) of these 613 individuals had not encountered challenging psychedelic experiences. However, 8.9% reported functional impairment lasting over one day due to these experiences, and 2.6% sought medical, psychiatric, or psychological assistance post-experience. Regression analyses indicated that concurrent use of lithium and other mood stabilisers, alongside specific set and setting variables (e.g., lack of preparation, negative mindset, large dose, major life event), correlated with the severity of difficulty. Lithium co-use, other mood stabilisers, and certain set/setting factors (negative mindset, no psychological support, major life event) were also linked to overall harm risk. This research contributes to understanding the occurrence and factors associated with challenging classic psychedelic experiences, aligning with prior findings and supporting the development of harm reduction strategies and future research designs.
Quote	Otto Simonsson, Peter S Hendricks and Richard Chambers et al. Prevalence and associations of challenging, difficult or distressing experiences using classic psychedelics. J Affect Disord. 2023. Vol. 326. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.073
Element	Lithium (Li)
Industry	Pharmaceutical Industry , Research & Laboratory , Chemical & Pharmacy