Psychedelic-Assisted Interventions in Palliative Care: A Narrative Overview and Critical Evaluation.
Healthcare (Basel) June 2, 2026 Daniele Almeida Soares, Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina
Psychedelic-assisted therapies, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, show promise for reducing depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with life-limiting illness, primarily in early-phase oncology studies. A review of 22 studies found consistent improvements in quality of life and spiritual well-being, with generally favorable safety under controlled conditions. However, the evidence remains preliminary, drawn from small, methodologically diverse studies with limited blinding and highly selected populations. The incorporation of key therapeutic practices—such as preparation, integration, and clinician training—was uneven across the literature, revealing a gap between research evidence and emerging clinical recommendations.