Contrary to popular belief, the use of psychedelic drugs such as magic mushrooms, LSD and mescaline does not increase an individual’s risk of developing mental health issues, according to a new study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The study, which looked at well over 100,000 individuals, contradicts the long-standing notion among the medical community and popular culture that using hallucinogens increases mental illness risk. However, the researchers behind the study cautioned that the results may not apply to all individuals.

The results contribute to a long history of varied opinions regarding LSD in particular. For example, the new study directly opposes some of the original perceptions scientists had about the drug in the 1950s. Back then, it was thought that LSD could actually replicate the symptoms of mental illness.

No Change in Mental Illness Rates, Benefits for Some

The study examined over 130,000 Americans, including roughly 22,000 who said they’d tried psychedelic drugs at least one time previously. The study subjects were asked whether they’d experienced the symptoms of any mental health issues in the previous year. The researchers screened for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, manic-depressive disorder, major depression and panic disorders. They also determined whether the subjects had required mental health treatment at any time during the previous year.

Before the researchers accounted for other factors, the results seemed to indicate a higher risk of mental illness among those that had used psychedelics. However, once they accounted for factors including gender, age, and especially extremely stressful events, they found no difference in mental illness risk between those who had and had not used psychedelic drugs previously.

Even more surprisingly, certain psychedelic drugs actually seemed to benefit mental health in certain cases. Previous users of both “magic mushrooms” (or more specifically psilocybin, the hallucinogenic ingredient contained therein) and mescaline displayed a lower prevalence of serious psychological disorders than the group of individuals who had never used psychedelic drugs in the past. Older studies have also indicated that psilocybin may reduce symptoms in those with clinical depression and anxiety, especially those with terminal illnesses.

No Guarantees for All Users

The researchers cautioned that since the study was very large, looking at a huge population of people, its results don’t necessarily apply to people individually. An individual person may indeed suffer mental health consequences as a result of using psychedelic drugs, especially if they use them habitually and/or in higher doses. It’s important to remember that people in the study were considered psychedelic drug users even if they’d taken only a single psychedelic drug once in the past 365 days. Long-term effects could certainly vary for heavier users and those predisposed to mental health issues. In addition, some users may experience side effects while using psychedelic drugs such as delusions and paranoia. At the same time, the researchers said that cases of serious injury while on psychedelic drugs are extremely rare.

The Bottom Line

Using “magic mushrooms,” LSD, mescaline and other psychedelic drugs appears to have no bearing on a person’s likelihood of developing mental health problems, according to a recent study of over 130,000 Americans. However, the study was so large that researchers are unable to say whether the findings apply to all individuals.

The full text of the study can be found online in PLOS ONE.