existential distress

Social acceptability of psilocybin-assisted therapy for existential distress at the end of life: A population-based survey

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This study surveyed 2,800 Canadians about their views on using psilocybin (a psychedelic compound from certain mushrooms) to help patients with terminal illnesses manage existential distress and anxiety. About 79% of respondents thought it was a reasonable medical option, and 85% believed the government should cover the costs. People who had previous experience with psilocybin, those exposed to palliative care, and those with progressive political views were most supportive of this therapy.

Navigating groundlessness: An interview study on dealing with ontological shock and existential distress following psychedelic experiences

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People who use psychedelic substances like psilocybin or LSD sometimes experience profound changes in how they understand reality that can be distressing and last for months or years. This study interviewed 26 people who went through such difficult experiences and found that what helped them most was practicing grounding techniques (like yoga, spending time in nature, and creative activities), talking about their experiences with others, and learning to accept their new perspectives. The research shows that while these experiences can be challenging, people can recover and grow from them with the right support and practices.

Palliative care patients’ attitudes and openness towards psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for existential distress

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A study asked 31 palliative care patients about their views on using psilocybin (a compound from magic mushrooms) as a treatment for existential distress—the emotional and spiritual suffering that comes with terminal illness. Over half the patients were interested in trying this therapy, especially if they believed it could help with anxiety and stress. However, patients were concerned about risks like psychosis, the lack of trained therapists, and the potential for doctors to take advantage of them during treatment. The researchers concluded that while psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise, there needs to be better education and strict safeguards to protect vulnerable patients.

Corrigendum: Ayahuasca-induced personal death experiences: prevalence, characteristics, and impact on attitudes toward death, life, and the environment

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This article corrects errors in a research study about ayahuasca, a traditional plant medicine. The study examined how experiences with ayahuasca that involve confronting death affect people’s attitudes about mortality, the environment, and life fulfillment. The corrections clarify how often participants used ayahuasca and adjust how the data was visualized in graphs, but the main findings about ayahuasca’s effects remain unchanged.

We need to talk about shrooms

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The article discusses how psychedelic mushrooms have transformed from being seen as dangerous drugs in the 1960s to being studied as potential psychiatric treatments today. While research shows promise for treating depression, trauma, and addiction, the author warns against oversimplified narratives that ignore important context about how these experiences work and potential risks. The piece calls for careful, balanced discussion about psychedelics that considers both benefits and concerns.

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: The need to monitor adverse events

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While psychedelics show promise for treating depression and other mental health conditions, researchers need better systems to monitor and report any harmful effects they might cause. This paper calls for more careful, consistent tracking of both physical changes (like blood pressure) and psychological experiences during psychedelic therapy. The authors emphasize that safety monitoring should continue even after patients leave the clinic and that women may experience different side effects than men.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy for palliative care within a home treatment setting: A case report

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A 54-year-old man with terminal throat cancer received a single dose of LSD (100 μg) as part of psychedelic-assisted therapy delivered at his home. The treatment helped him experience relief from existential distress and feelings of peace. Six months later, he was in better psychological health, more motivated to pursue meaningful activities, and had discontinued pain medications while maintaining stability. This case demonstrates that psychedelic therapy can be safely administered at home for patients with life-threatening illnesses seeking existential relief.

Review of Psilocybin Use for Depression among Cancer Patients after Approval in Oregon

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Psilocybin, the active compound in certain mushrooms, shows promise as a treatment for depression and anxiety in cancer patients, particularly those nearing end of life. Oregon legalized supervised psilocybin therapy in 2020, making it the first U.S. state to do so. While clinical research shows the treatment can rapidly reduce depression and improve quality of life, the actual rollout has faced challenges including regulatory hurdles, lack of professional standards, and unequal geographic access.

Disease: existential distress