Psychiatric Residents' Perspectives on Psychedelics and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.

Abstract

This study evaluated the attitudes, knowledge, and educational experiences of psychiatry residents regarding psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). In 2023, we distributed an anonymous survey to United States psychiatry residents, assessing demographics, knowledge, and opinions on psychedelics/PAT. The survey also included items asking respondents to retrospectively self-report how strongly psychedelic-related work and educational opportunities influenced their career choice and ranking of residency programs in the Match. Of the 109 respondents, most reported limited formal education on psychedelics during training but expressed a strong desire for more instruction. Most believed psychedelics hold promise for psychiatric disorders (83.49%), though fewer saw similar potential for substance use disorders (55.96%). Notably, 39.81% reported psychedelic-related educational or research opportunities influenced residency program rankings, and 39.25% indicated the possibility of treating patients with psychedelics influenced their decision to pursue psychiatry. Higher knowledge scores and stronger belief in psychedelics' therapeutic potential were associated with greater self-reported influence of psychedelic-related opportunities on program ranking. This study is limited by its small sample size and potential for self-selection and recall bias. Overall, psychiatry residents demonstrated optimism about psychedelics' therapeutic potential but reported inadequate training. Expanding psychedelic-focused educational content in residency could better prepare trainees for psychedelics' evolving role in psychiatry.