Psychedelic-assisted therapy for anxiety and depression in the face of death: A critical review with an anthropological lens

Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are being studied again for treating anxiety and depression in terminally ill patients, building on research from the 1960s. Recent clinical trials show higher methodological quality and demonstrate a profound impact for these patients. However, gaps remain in understanding Western views on death, how the psychedelic experience helps those facing death, and how suffering and distress are defined in psychiatry and medicine. This article critically evaluates recent studies and suggests that anthropology can contribute valuable knowledge to this emerging field.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelics have been investigated for their therapeutic applications in end-of-life care as early as 1960. Recently, there have been four main groups conducting clinical trials for either lysergic acid diethylamide or psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients with terminal illnesses. The recent trials have higher methodological quality and demonstrate the profound impact of psychedelics for this particular patient presentation. However, a number of gaps, including understanding the meaning of death and dying in Western society; the nature of the psychedelic experience and how this lends itself to assisting those who are facing death; and how suffering and psychological distress are defined and understood in current psychiatric and medical frameworks. This article provides a critical evaluation of the recent publications and suggests how anthropology may contribute knowledge to this emerging field.