The Peak Experience Variable in DPT-Assisted Psychotherapy with Cancer Patients
William A. Richards, John Rhead, Francesco B. Dileo, Richard Yensen, Albert A. Kurland
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs January 1, 1977 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1977.10472020 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn a 1977 study of dipropyltryptamine (DPT)-assisted psychotherapy with cancer patients, the occurrence of a peak experience during a drug session was associated with better therapeutic outcomes. Among 128 patients, those who had a peak experience showed greater reductions in anxiety, depression, and pain, and improved quality of life compared to those who did not. The authors suggest that the peak experience may be a key variable in the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy for this population.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 128 |
| Population | Cancer patients |
| Intervention | DPT-assisted psychotherapy |
| Keywords | Psychotherapist Psychology Medicine |
| Citations | 95 |
| Key finding | Cancer patients who had a peak experience during DPT-assisted psychotherapy showed greater improvements in anxiety, depression, pain, and quality of life than those who did not. |
Abstract
(1977). The Peak Experience Variable in DPT-Assisted Psychotherapy with Cancer Patients. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 1-10.