Summary: A new research links hallucinogen-related emergency department visits to a 21-fold increased threat of dementia compared to the general population. People were 3.5 % more likely to experience substance abuse and other mental health conditions.
Prices of hallucinogen-related D visits surged by 86 % between 2013 and 2021, highlighting the growing popularity of stimulants. While the findings do n’t prove causation, they underscore potential risks, especially for individuals predisposed to psychosis. Use of hallucinogens outside of approved medical settings is advised by researchers.
Important Information:
- People with hallucinogen-related D trips face a 21-fold higher dementia risk.
- Prices of ED visits involving stimulants rose 86 % from 2013 to 2021.
- Even after other factors are taken into account, the risk of dementia continues to be three and a half times higher.
Origin: Cooler
People with emergency department visits involving drug use are at high risk of developing psychosis, according to a new research from academics at ICES, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa’s Department of Family Medicine, and Bruyère Health Research Institute.  ,
These results come as stimulants, a type of drug, grow in popularity across North America in both fun and therapeutic settings. Hallucinogens include drugs such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT ( Ayahuasca ), and MDMA ( Ecstasy ).  ,
The study, which followed over 9.2 million individuals in Ontario, Canada, found that those with a hallucinogen-related emergency department ( ED ) visit had a 21-fold increased risk of developing schizophrenia compared to the general population.  ,
Yet after considering an adult’s co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, the research found a 3.5-fold increased risk of dementia.  ,
Dr. Daniel Myran, an ICES Adjunct Scientist, Investigator at the Bruyère Health Research Institute, and Clinician Investigator at The Ottawa Hospital, points to a worrying connection between drug use that necessitates emergency room care and the increased threat of schizophrenia.  ,  ,
We need to consider how early and confined the data are regarding both the advantages and the risks, says Myran, “while there is tremendous enthusiasm for psychedelic-assisted treatment as a new mental health treatment.”  ,
Published in the journal , JAMA Psychiatry, scientists analysed health information for people aged 14 to 65 years old life in Ontario from 2008 to 2021.  ,  ,
The artists examined the effects of changing the frequency of hallucinogen-related emergency rooms over time and the risk of developing dementia as a result.  ,
Key results:  ,
- While hallucinogen-related D trips decreased between 2008 and 2012, they increased by 86 % between 2013 and 2021.  ,
- Within three years of an ED visit involving hallucinogens, 4 % of individuals were diagnosed with schizophrenia, compared to 0.15 % for members of the general population followed for the same period —a risk 21 times higher.  ,  ,
- In contrast to those who had ED visits involving alcohol and cannabis, the risk of schizophrenia was 4.7 % and 1.5 % higher, respectively.  ,  ,
The authors point out that there is still little more research needed about the risks linked to various drug types and use patterns because their findings do not link hallucinogen use to schizophrenia.
However, the study shows risks associated with drug usage, which could require ED attention, as well as for those who have underlying schizophrenia or psychosis.
The writers also stress the value of more research and public health initiatives to better understand and manage these risks.  ,
” Clinical tests of psychedelic-assisted counseling have protection,” according to the statement.
Our findings raise important issues regarding possible risks of drug use outside of clinical settings, according to Myran.  ,  ,
According to Dr. Marco Solmi, Director of Research at the University of Ottawa and medical director of the On Track Early Intervention Service for illness in Ottawa,” It is also critical that we are able to identify those who are at risk of serious adverse events from opiates that require emergency attention.”  ,
About this study on psychedelics and dementia
Author: Misty Pratt
Source: ICES
Contact: Misty Pratt – ICES
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Closed exposure.
By Daniel Myran and albert.,” Emergency Department Visits involving the use of hallucinogens and the risk of dementia spectrum disorders.” JAMA Psychiatry
Abstract
Emergency Department Visits involving the use of hallucinogens and the risk of dementia spectrum disorders
Importance
Hallucinogen usage and involvement has risen steadily. There are few studies on this connection, despite the often raised concern that hallucinogens may be linked to a higher risk of psychosis.
Objectives
To examine whether people who have an ED visit that involves using hallucinogens are more likely to develop schizophrenia ( SSD ).
Design, Settings, and Participants ,  ,
This population-based, retrospective cohort study ( January 2008 to December 2021 ) included all individuals aged 14 to 65 years in Ontario, Canada, with no history of psychosis ( SSD or substance induced ). From May to August 2024, data were analyzed.
Exposure
Drug apply was a part of an incident ED explore.
Main Results and Measures ,  ,
Diagnosis of SSD using a health record–validated algorithms. Use of cause-specific adjusted hazard designs to estimate associations between hallucinogen-related ED appointments and SSD. Comparisons between people who had hallucinogens-related incidents and those in the general population ( primary analysis ) or those who had alcohol or cannabis-related incidents were made ( secondary analysis ).
Results
The study included 9 244 292 individuals ( mean]SD] age, 40.4]14.7] years, 50.2 % female ) without a history of psychosis, with a median follow-up of 5.1 years ( IQR, 2.3-8.6 years ), 5217 ( 0.1 % ) had an incident ED visit involving hallucinogen use.
Yearly rates of event ED visits involving stimulants were stable between 2008 and 2012 and finally increased by 86.4 % between 2013 and 2021 ( 3.4 versus 6.4 per 100 000 people ).
Individuals with ED visits involving hallucinogens had a greater risk of being diagnosed with an SSD within 3 years compared with the general population ( age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio]HR], 21.32]95 % CI, 18.58-24.47], absolute proportion with SSD at 3 years, 208 of 5217 with hallucinogen use]3.99 % ] vs 13 639 of 9 239 075 in the general population]0.15 % ] ).
After adjustment for comorbid substance use and mental health conditions, individuals with hallucinogen ED visits had a greater risk of SSD compared with the general population ( HR, 3.53, 95 % CI, 3.05-4.09 ). Emergency department visits involving hallucinogens were associated with an increased risk of SSD within 3 years compared with ED visits involving alcohol ( HR, 4.66, 95 % CI, 3.82-5.68 ) and cannabis ( HR, 1.47, 95 % CI, 1.21-1.80 ) in the fully adjusted model.
Opinions and Relevance ,  ,
In this cohort study, those who had hallucinogens during an D visit had a higher risk of developing an Disk than those who had hallucinogens during other types of ED appointments. Given the rise in hallucinogen use and the associated ED trips, these findings have significant medical and policy implications.
