Psychedelic‐assisted therapy for palliative care within a home treatment setting: A case report

A patient with throat cancer and severe existential distress safely received psychedelic-assisted therapy at home. The patient tolerated the intervention well and reported on measures of anxiety, depression, and distress. This single-case study aligns with previous findings suggesting that psychedelic-assisted therapy can be safely applied to potentially relieve existential distress in people with life-threatening conditions. Because this is one case, generalizations require caution; placebo effects, expectancy, and the natural course of illness may influence outcomes. Controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in diverse settings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Key Clinical Message This case study describes the feasibility and safety of psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT) as a home‐based intervention for a patient with throat cancer experiencing significant existential distress. The patient tolerated the intervention well. This case supports the feasibility and safety of PAT for patients with life‐threatening conditions in a home setting. Abstract Psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT), as it is practiced today, merges traditional psychotherapeutic techniques with the use of psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, or MDMA with the aim of unlocking deeper insights in patients and treating mental conditions that are resistant to other forms of therapy. The present case study describes the safety of PAT as a home‐based intervention for a patient with throat cancer experiencing significant existential distress. The patient tolerated the intervention well and was asked to report on measures of anxiety, depression, and distress related to his somatic condition. The observations provided by this clinical case report align with previous findings, suggesting that PAT can be safely applied to potentially provide relief from existential distress in patients with life‐threatening conditions. As this is a single‐case study, generalizations should be made cautiously. Moreover, placebo effects, expectancy effects, and the natural course of the disease may influence outcomes. Future research should consider controlled trials to ascertain the efficacy and safety of such interventions in diverse settings.