Journal of Psychopharmacology
January 9, 2020
Gabrielle Agin-Liebes, Tara C. Malone, Matthew M. Yalch et al.
353 citations
A long-term follow-up of a randomized trial found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy produced lasting reductions in anxiety, depression, hopelessness, demoralization, and death anxiety in people with cancer-related psychiatric distress. At an average of 3.2 and 4.5 years after psilocybin administration, 60–80% of participants still showed clinically significant antidepressant or anxiolytic responses. Most participants (71–100%) attributed positive life changes to the therapy and rated it among the most personally meaningful and spiritually significant experiences of their lives. The study's conclusions are limited by the crossover design of the original trial, but the results suggest psilocybin-assisted therapy may promote long-term relief from cancer-related distress.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
April 3, 2018
Tara C. Malone, Sarah E. Mennenga, Jeffrey Guss et al.
128 citations
Cancer patients who receive psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy often have personalized experiences that extend beyond their diagnosis, centering on self-compassion, love, acceptance of death, and past trauma. In a double-blind trial, 29 patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression received either psilocybin or niacin with psychotherapy. Psilocybin produced rapid and lasting reductions in anxiety and depression. Detailed accounts of four participants show that while the content of each psilocybin session was unique, common themes emerged. The findings highlight how the subjective effects of psilocybin can address individual spiritual and psychological needs.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
February 20, 2018
Michael P. Bogenschutz, Samantha K. Podrebarac, Jessie H. Duane et al.
125 citations
After a 40-year pause, clinical research on classic hallucinogens for addiction has resumed. An ongoing double-blind placebo-controlled trial tests psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder, building on a small open-label feasibility study. Descriptive case studies of three participants illustrate treatment trajectories. Pivotal moments during psilocybin sessions are individualized, vivid, and memorable, often extending beyond the clinical problem. Participants experienced lasting shifts in self-perception, consciousness, and relationship with alcohol. Experiences of catharsis, forgiveness, self-compassion, and love were as salient as mystical content. Feelings of increased mindfulness, spaciousness, and control over choices and behavior were reported. The treatment elicits highly variable experiences that appear to meet individual needs.
Spirituality in Clinical Practice
September 1, 2021
Samantha K. Podrebarac, Kelley C. O’donnell, Sarah E. Mennenga et al.
38 citations
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