Exploring knowledge, attitudes and barriers to Psychedelic‑Assisted Therapy

The University partnered with the International Society for the Study of Emerging Drugs CIC (ISSED) on a three‑month Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project, delivered in response to Innovate UK’s round 4 call focused on addiction.

Purpose of the study

Psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) have gained more attention in recent years. Whether they eventually become part of routine healthcare will depend not only on scientific evidence, but also on clear regulations, doctors’ willingness to prescribe them, and how comfortable patients feel receiving them.

This study was the first to explore attitudes toward PATs across different countries and stakeholder groups – including the general public, clinicians, regulators and policymakers. Using a mix of surveys and focus groups, the team built a clear picture of current views, levels of understanding, and where knowledge gaps still exist.

Methods and participation

The research compared countries at different stages of psychedelic science: the UK, which is a leader in the field, and Italy and Greece, where clinical trials have only recently begun. The aim was to understand whether a country’s experience with psychedelic research – and people’s existing knowledge – shapes how these therapies are perceived. The study also identified common misunderstandings, concerns and barriers that could affect future implementation.

A cross‑sectional survey and focus group interviews were carried out with clinicians from all three countries. The survey included 191 clinicians and related stakeholders and measured perceived and actual knowledge of psychedelics, attitudes toward PATs, general opinions, and views on the safety, acceptability and therapeutic potential of psilocybin. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound currently being investigated in clinical research for its potential therapeutic applications.

Key findings

'Survey results showed that people who felt knowledgeable about psychedelics generally were knowledgeable about them. Those with previous psychedelic experience had the highest levels of actual and perceived knowledge and the strongest confidence in their understanding.

Initial differences between countries disappeared once other factors were considered, suggesting that individual characteristics – not nationality – explain differences in knowledge and confidence.

Confidence was the strongest predictor overall. People who felt more confident tended to view psychedelic treatments, including psilocybin, as safer, more useful and more acceptable. A clear pattern emerged: education increased confidence, confidence increased perceived knowledge, and perceived knowledge shaped attitudes. Nationality had no meaningful impact.

The team analysed interviews with six psychiatrists and psychotherapists from the three countries. A key theme was confusion about what psychedelic‑assisted therapy actually means, as clinicians used the term in different ways. Participants identified several barriers to bringing PATs into routine care. These included concerns about clinical risks, limited resources in healthcare systems, and ongoing stigma or misconceptions in society. They also pointed to factors that could support safe use, such as the potential benefits of PATs for people who do not respond to other treatments, the need for specialist training, and the importance of clear, standardised treatment guidelines.

Overall, the main challenges were not about whether PATs work, but about how to introduce them safely and effectively. The findings highlight the need for more research on implementation and real‑world practice.