Psilocybin occasioned mystical‐type experiences
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental June 23, 2020 Edward James, Thomas L Robertshaw, Mathew Hoskins et al. 29 citations
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for treating specific psychiatric conditions, with mystical-type experiences linked to therapeutic benefits and long-term improvements in mental outlook. This narrative review summarizes current research on quantifying such experiences and their subjective effects. Recent studies clarify some pharmacological actions of psychedelics, but neurological similarities and differences between spontaneous and drug-induced mystical experiences remain poorly understood. Applicability to modern clinical settings is assessed, and potential novel uses include positive psychology interventions in healthy individuals. Since 2006, significant progress has been made, but more work is needed on neuromechanistic processes and clinical applicability. Funding issues, legal concerns, and socio-cultural resistance counterbalance experimental evidence.