Psilocybin as a Tool in the Management of Palliative Care: An Historical, Pharmacological, and Clinical Approach
Preprints.org – April 10, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows compelling promise in palliative care, offering a new frontier in medicine. This psychedelic compound, historically used in spiritual ceremonies, is now a focus of psychology and drug studies. Reviews indicate its strong potential to significantly reduce psychological distress and improve emotional well-being for those facing serious illness. Understanding its pharmacokinetics and chemical structure is vital. Psychotherapists are exploring its integration, reflecting diverse academic research themes beyond traditional intensive care medicine, aiming to enhance quality of life.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in certain mushrooms, has been used for centuries in spiritual ceremonies and neuropsychiatric therapy. Despite its stigmatization as a Schedule I substance in 1970, research into psilocybin has resurged since the early 2000s, particularly in psychiatry and palliative care. This review examines psilocybin's potential to improve the quality of life in palliative care by reducing psychological distress and enhancing emotional well-being. The discussion includes its historical context, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, legal status, and future perspectives in palliative care.