Hopelessness, Suicidality, and Co-Occurring Substance Use among Adolescent Hallucinogen Users-A National Survey Study.

Authors

Saral R. Desai, Department of Psychiatry, Phoenixville Hospital-Tower Health, Phoenixville, PAFollow
Vidisha Jain
Sona Xavier
Wei Du, Academic Affairs, Tower Health, West Reading, PAFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-5-2022

Abstract

(1) Objectives: Hallucinogens are being explored as a potential treatment of psychiatric disorders. Micro dosing of illicitly purchased hallucinogen drugs is on the rise despite conclusive benefits. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and odds of hopelessness, suicidality, and co-occurring substance use among adolescent hallucinogen users. (2) Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) 2001-2019 data that nationally represents school-going US adolescents. We identified hallucinogen use based on the survey questions, exploring the use of hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, mescaline, and mushrooms). (3) Results: Out of a total of 125,550 respondents, 8.4% reported using hallucinogens. Overall, the trend of hallucinogen use decreased from 13.3% (2001) to 7.0% (2019) (pTrend < 0.0001). Hallucinogen users were at high odds of feeling sad and hopeless (aOR: 1.40; 95%CI: 1.21-1.61;

Publication Title

Children (Basel)

Volume

9

Issue

12

Comments

Special Issue: Predictors and Diagnosis of Depressive Symptoms in Children and Adolescents

Recommended Citation

Desai, S. R., Jain, V., Xavier, S., & Du, W. (2022). Hopelessness, Suicidality, and Co-Occurring Substance Use among Adolescent Hallucinogen Users-A National Survey Study.. Children (Basel), 9 (12) https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/children9121906