Social acceptability of psilocybin-assisted therapy for existential distress at the end of life: A population-based survey
Palliative Medicine – January 22, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Nearly 80% of Canadians embrace psilocybin-assisted therapy as a reasonable medical choice for existential distress at the end of life. A survey of 2800 adults across four provinces found 79.3% considered it acceptable, with 84.8% advocating for public health coverage. A significant 63.3% also favored legalizing psilocybin for medical purposes. This high social acceptability suggests a growing openness to this emerging form of medicine within palliative and end-of-life care, influencing future psychology and psychiatry practices.
Abstract
Background: Internationally, there is a growing interest in the potential benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy to treat existential distress at the end of life. However, the social acceptability of this therapy is not yet well known. Aim: This study assesses the social acceptability of the medical use of psilocybin to treat existential distress at the end of life. Design: An online survey was conducted in Canada between November 23 and December 4, 2022. The questionnaire included items pertaining to perceptions, attitudes and concerns towards psilocybin-assisted therapy to treat existential distress at the end of life. Participants: The sample ( n = 2800) was stratified by province, age and sex. Participants were adults from four provinces of Canada: Québec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Results: Overall, 79.3% considered psilocybin-assisted therapy a reasonable medical choice for a patient suffering from existential distress at the end of life, 84.8% agreed that the public health system should cover the costs of the intervention and 63.3% would welcome the legalisation of psilocybin for medical purposes. Previous psilocybin use ( p < 0.0001, for all dependent variables), exposure to palliative care ( p < 0.05, for all dependent variables) and a progressive political orientation ( p < 0.05, for all dependent variables) were associated with more favourable attitudes towards psilocybin-assisted therapy at the end of life. Conclusion: The social acceptability of psilocybin-assisted therapy for existential distress at the end of life is rather high in Canada. These findings may contribute to efforts to mobilise resources and improve access to this emerging therapy in palliative and end of life care settings.