Psychedelic-assisted therapy for anxiety and depression in the face of death: A critical review with an anthropological lens

Summary

Psilocybin shows profound promise in medicine, significantly reducing anxiety and distress for terminally ill patients facing death anxiety. Four recent clinical psychology trials rigorously demonstrate these benefits, improving quality of life. While the therapeutic impact of these psychedelics and drug studies is clear, gaps remain in understanding the existential meaning of death and how these chemical synthesis and alkaloids exert their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Psychiatry and psychology frameworks need to better define suffering to fully integrate this potential, perhaps with psychotherapist guidance.

Abstract

Psychedelics have been investigated for their therapeutic applications in end-of-life care as early as 1960. Recently, there have been four main groups conducting clinical trials for either lysergic acid diethylamide or psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients with terminal illnesses. The recent trials have higher methodological quality and demonstrate the profound impact of psychedelics for this particular patient presentation. However, a number of gaps, including understanding the meaning of death and dying in Western society; the nature of the psychedelic experience and how this lends itself to assisting those who are facing death; and how suffering and psychological distress are defined and understood in current psychiatric and medical frameworks. This article provides a critical evaluation of the recent publications and suggests how anthropology may contribute knowledge to this emerging field.

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