The Role of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy to Support Patients With Cancer: A Critical Scoping Review of the Research
Journal of Holistic Nursing September 6, 2021 Rebecca H Lehto, Megan Miller, Jessica Sender 16 citations
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for patients with cancer who experience persistent existential suffering, even when standard treatments have failed. A scoping review of eight studies found that most patients reported positive experiences, including themes of death acceptance, reflection, and broadened spirituality. The therapy, which uses a naturally occurring compound from certain mushrooms to induce an altered state of consciousness, is still in early clinical testing. Reed's Self-Transcendence Theory offers a framework for understanding existential concerns in patients facing life-threatening illness. Future work must tailor the intervention to select patients and involve clinicians in assessing outcomes.