Study Links Hallucinogen ER Visits to Elevated Schizophrenia Risk

New research shows a 21-fold increase in schizophrenia diagnoses following emergency department visits for hallucinogen use.

Individuals with hallucinogen-related ER visits face a significantly higher risk of developing schizophrenia compared to the general population.
The study tracked over 9.2 million people in Ontario, Canada, from 2008 to 2021, highlighting an 86% rise in hallucinogen-related ER visits between 2013 and 2021.
Even after adjusting for other mental health issues and substance use, the risk of schizophrenia remains 3.5 times higher for those with hallucinogen-related ER visits.
Schizophrenia diagnoses occurred in 4% of individuals within three years of a hallucinogen-related ER visit, compared to 0.15% of the general population.
Researchers emphasize the need for caution with psychedelics outside controlled settings, particularly for those with a predisposition to psychosis.