Psychedelics in Palliative Care
May 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1093/med/9780197760864.001.0001
Summary
The book examines the potential of psychedelic medicines in treating symptoms like pain, depression, PTSD, and existential distress in palliative care and addiction medicine. It highlights eight major psychedelic medications, emphasizing their recent resurgence in medical research and their promise for patients with terminal or chronic illnesses. The diverse contributors to the book include palliative physicians, therapists, and researchers, providing a comprehensive view of the history, science, and legal status of these substances.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Psychedelic medicines show significant promise for alleviating symptoms associated with terminal illness, chronic illness, and addiction. |
|---|
Abstract
Abstract This is the first book to explore the use of psychedelic medicines in palliative care and addiction medicine. Bringing together a diverse team of palliative physicians, therapists, researchers, spiritual guides, and entrepreneurs, the book explores the history, cultural significance, science, and legal status of eight major psychedelic medications. Each medication holds fascinating promise for treatment of symptoms such as pain, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and existential distress, making them some of the most interesting drugs on the horizon currently. These are drugs that were rarely studied until quite recently, and they are currently undergoing a renaissance in medical research and development. They hold huge potential for treatment of the symptoms experienced in those with terminal illness, debilitating chronic illness, and addiction.