Frontiers in psychology
January 1, 2023
Karin Cinalioglu, Paola Lavín, Magnus Bein et al.
21 citations
A randomized controlled trial will test whether virtual-reality-guided meditation is feasible and acceptable for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in older adults. Thirty community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older with moderate stress will be randomly assigned to either an eight-session VR meditation program or a waitlist control group. Sessions last 15 minutes and occur twice weekly for four weeks, offered at home or in a hospital. Outcomes include perceived stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, quality of life, and mindfulness skills, measured before and after the intervention. Qualitative interviews will capture participants' experiences. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05315609).
Palliative & supportive care
December 1, 2023
Roxanne Sholevar, John Peteet, Justin Sanders et al.
9 citations
Experts in serious illness care and psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) hold divergent views on PAT's therapeutic potential and safety for patients with serious illness. Five factors shape their attitudes: perception of unmet need, knowledge of empirical studies, personal psychedelic experience, professional background, and age or generation. An overarching theme is PAT's disruptive potential at four levels: the patient's experience of self, illness, and death; relationships with loved ones and healthcare providers; existing clinical models; and societal attitudes toward death. Whether this disruption is seen as a therapeutic opportunity or an undue risk determines the level of support. These points of disruption raise practical and philosophical considerations for integrating PAT into serious illness care.
General hospital psychiatry
January 1, 2025
Yvan Beaussant, Elise Tarbi, Kabir Nigam et al.
3 citations
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is promising for cancer-related depression, but little is known about how the therapeutic context affects patient experiences. In interviews with 28 patients with cancer and depression who participated in a clinical trial, participants described the psilocybin experience as intense and demanding. Therapeutic benefits were closely tied to their ability to "surrender"—accepting and remaining open to the experience's intensity and unpredictability. A safe, supportive, and ethical environment was critical for trust and engagement. Preparation and integration were key to maximizing benefit. Music played a variable role, sometimes enhancing and other times distracting. The clinical setting provided safety, while ceremonial elements added meaning.