Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Service, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America. Electronic address: sinaiin@cc.nih.gov.
2 papers in the library · 67 citations · publishing 2023-2025
Psilocybin-assisted therapy improved psycho-social-spiritual well-being in cancer patients with major depressive disorder, as measured by the NIH-HEALS. In a Phase II open-label trial, 30 participants received 25 mg of psilocybin with group preparation and integration sessions. NIH-HEALS scores increased significantly after treatment, with gains in all three factors: Connection (12.7%), Reflection & Introspection (7.7%), and Trust & Acceptance (22.4%). Improvements appeared by day 1 and persisted through 8 weeks. The study lacked a control group, relied on self-reports, and had a small, limited sample, restricting generalizability. The results suggest that Connection, Reflection & Introspection, and Trust & Acceptance are key elements of psycho-social-spiritual healing in this context.
Nature-based programs can improve overall wellbeing among healthcare workers who experienced stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and adding an audio-based mindfulness intervention may enhance those benefits. In a study of 78 healthcare workers randomized to a nature-only retreat, a combined nature-and-mindfulness program, or a control group, wellbeing scores increased in both intervention groups compared to the control. The combined group maintained improvements at follow-up better than the nature-only group. However, neither intervention reduced perceived stress, as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale. The authors note the study had diminished power and call for further research.