Characterizing Psilocybin Use Motivations and Effects Among Older Adults Accessing State-Regulated Psilocybin Services

Abstract

There has been growing public and research interest in the use of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin. There is limited data on psilocybin use patterns, motivations for use, safety, and efficacy in older adults (>or= 60 years old) as older adults tend to be excluded from clinical trials. However, older adults may seek out psilocybin through state-regulated or naturalistic settings for self-treatment of mental health conditions, end-of-life distress/grief, or general well-being. Despite this, there are limited data to inform how psilocybin effects may be different compared to younger adults due to physiological effects of aging, the presence of co-occurring conditions, and/or the concomitant use of medications. This study seeks to describe the reasons for seeking services, prior psychedelic and psilocybin experience(s) (if any), and psilocybin dose used during session among older adults (> or =60) in state-regulated services. This study also seeks to examine differences in outcomes (mental health and safety/adverse events) at 1-week, 1-month and 3-month between age cohorts (> or =60 vs <60 years old).

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