Psilocybin as a Tool in the Management of Palliative Care: An Historical, Pharmacological, and Clinical Approach
Andrés David Turizo Smith, Natalia Botero Jsramillo, Diana Milena Berrío Cuartas
Preprints.org April 10, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.20944/preprints202504.0888.v1 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, has a long history of use in spiritual ceremonies and neuropsychiatric therapy. Although it was classified as a Schedule I substance in 1970, research into its therapeutic potential has revived since the early 2000s, especially in psychiatry and palliative care. This review explores how psilocybin may improve quality of life for palliative care patients by reducing psychological distress and enhancing emotional well-being. The discussion covers historical context, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, legal status, and future directions for its use in palliative care.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Palliative care Psychology Hallucinogen Intensive care medicine |
| Key finding | Psilocybin may improve quality of life in palliative care by reducing psychological distress and enhancing emotional well-being. |
Abstract
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in certain mushrooms, has been used for centuries in spiritual ceremonies and neuropsychiatric therapy. Despite its stigmatization as a Schedule I substance in 1970, research into psilocybin has resurged since the early 2000s, particularly in psychiatry and palliative care. This review examines psilocybin's potential to improve the quality of life in palliative care by reducing psychological distress and enhancing emotional well-being. The discussion includes its historical context, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, legal status, and future perspectives in palliative care.