Efficacy of psilocybin on death anxiety in terminal patients: a narrative review
Progress in Palliative Care December 1, 2025 M. Barimbing, D. Jeger, Made Edwin Sridana
A narrative review of previous studies finds that psilocybin-assisted therapy is a promising treatment for death anxiety in terminally ill patients. Psilocybin alters brain function by affecting 5-HT2A receptors and disrupting the default mode network, which helps reduce existential fear. Recent randomized controlled trials showed standardized mean differences in anxiety reduction ranging from −0.70 to −1.08, with effects lasting up to six months after a single dose. The review highlights psilocybin's favorable safety profile and its potential to fill gaps left by conventional treatments, while also addressing ethical issues and supporting integration with standard palliative care.