Unregulated Psychedelic Therapy and High Suicide Risk Post-Psychiatric Care Raise Concerns in Sweden

Recent investigations and studies in Sweden have highlighted significant issues concerning psychiatric care and mental health treatment practices. A revealing report by Dagens Nyheter uncovered that several psychologists in Stockholm are administering illegal psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and ayahuasca during therapy sessions, primarily targeting patients who have not found relief through conventional treatments. According to Anna Bratt from Dagens Nyheter, about ten therapists have been identified engaging in this unregulated practice, though the true number may be higher due to the illicit nature of the substances involved (Source 139786).

In parallel, a comprehensive study from the Karolinska Institute has shed light on the elevated risk of suicide among patients discharged from involuntary psychiatric care in Sweden. Over 10,000 individuals receive involuntary treatment annually, and the study tracking more than 72,000 such patients from 2010 to 2020 found a suicide rate of 2.9%. This rate is 1.6 times higher than for voluntarily admitted psychiatric patients and an alarming 56 times higher than the general population's risk. The highest risk period is the first month post-discharge, with vulnerability persisting for several years. Young men, single individuals, and those with personality disorders or substance abuse problems are especially at risk. Researchers Leoni Grossmann and John Wallert emphasize the critical need for tailored post-discharge support to mitigate this risk (Source 139779).

These findings underscore urgent challenges in Sweden's mental health landscape: the rising use of unregulated psychedelic therapies raises questions about safety and legality, while the persistently high suicide risk following involuntary psychiatric treatment demands improved care continuity and monitoring. Both issues highlight significant gaps in regulation and patient support that Swedish healthcare providers and policymakers must address.