IFL Science reports
Women are more likely than men to use LSD and magic mushrooms to treat psychiatric conditions and emotional distress, according to the results of the 2020 Global Drug Survey (GDS). A breakdown of the data reveals that psychedelics are most commonly used to alleviate depression, anxiety, and difficulties arising from relationship problems.
A number of recent studies have illustrated the potential of substances such as psilocybin – the active compound in magic mushrooms – and ayahuasca to treat a range of mental health issues, although such research is generally conducted under clinical supervision. In contrast, only 12.2 percent of GDS respondents claimed to have had their trip overseen by a therapist, with 9.9 percent saying a clinical psychologist had been present.
A total of 6,500 people completed the section of the survey concerning the use of psychedelics as a form of self-medication. Overall, LSD was the drug most commonly used to treat psychiatric disorders, followed by MDMA and psilocybin. In the case of LSD, 13.4 percent of women claimed to have used the drug for therapeutic purposes, compared to 11.7 percent of men.
Read more at https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/more-women-men-self-medicate-psychedelics-global-survey-suggests/
