Mystical Experience Induced by Esketamine Treatment: A Real-World Observational Study
medRxiv Preprint Server March 31, 2026 Maia Mallevays, Louise Fuet, Michel Danon et al. 1 citation preprint
In patients with treatment-resistant depression receiving esketamine, mystical experiences—similar to those induced by classic psychedelics—occurred in 58% of patients, with high variability across sessions. Higher mean and peak scores on the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) were associated with greater improvement in depression severity, while dissociative or other non-mystical effects were not. Positive mood and mystical dimensions of the MEQ predicted therapeutic outcomes, and baseline spirituality predicted both treatment response and peak MEQ scores in the first week. These findings suggest that psychedelic-like mystical experiences may contribute to esketamine's therapeutic efficacy.