Adverse outcomes following psychedelic use in adolescents and adults: associations with age and personality traits.

BACKGROUND

Adolescents are increasingly using classical psychedelics, yet little is known about how psychedelics use is related to their mental health. Emerging evidence suggests that adolescents may be more vulnerable to adverse outcomes in relation to psychedelic use compared to adults. This descriptive and exploratory study examined differences between adolescents and adults in reported psychedelic experiences, with a focus on adverse outcomes and the potential role of personality traits.

METHODS

Data were drawn from a community sample (N = 1185), in which participants retrospectively reported on their most significant psychedelic experience and associations with adverse (e.g., confusion) and positive outcomes (e.g., meaningfulness). The sample was divided into adolescents aged 18–24 years and adults aged 25 years or older. Age groups were analysed both dichotomously (< 25 vs. ≥25 years) and continuously. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) and linear regressions were used to test the role of age and personality traits as predictors of adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

Adolescents reported significantly more adverse outcomes compared to adults, including more negative personality change as well as more fearful experiences. Positive outcomes such as meaningfulness, mystical-type experiences, and improvements in relationships did not differ significantly between age groups. Age group remained a significant predictor of adverse outcomes after adjusting for personality traits. Neuroticism explained a substantially larger share of variance compared to age.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that while adolescents may derive similar positive effects from psychedelics as adults, they may be more vulnerable to adverse outcomes. The findings underscore the need for further longitudinal research to understand how developmental stages and individual differences influence psychedelic use outcomes.