Set and setting in psilocybin-assisted therapy: A qualitative study of patients with cancer and depression.
Yvan Beaussant, Elise Tarbi, Kabir Nigam, Skye Miner, Zachary Sager, Justin Sanders, Michael Ljuslin, Benjamin Guérin, Roxanne Sholevar, Kimberly Roddy, James A Tulsky, Manish Agrawal
General hospital psychiatry January 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2025.10.010 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is promising for cancer-related depression, but little is known about how the therapeutic context affects patient experiences. In interviews with 28 patients with cancer and depression who participated in a clinical trial, participants described the psilocybin experience as intense and demanding. Therapeutic benefits were closely tied to their ability to "surrender"—accepting and remaining open to the experience's intensity and unpredictability. A safe, supportive, and ethical environment was critical for trust and engagement. Preparation and integration were key to maximizing benefit. Music played a variable role, sometimes enhancing and other times distracting. The clinical setting provided safety, while ceremonial elements added meaning.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 28 |
| Population | Patients with cancer and depression |
| Topics | Depression End-of-life distress Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Cancer Psilocybin-assisted therapy |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key finding | The acceptability of psilocybin-assisted therapy for patients with cancer and depression depends on their ability to surrender to the intense experience, supported by a safe and ethical therapeutic environment, preparation, and integration. |
Abstract
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) shows promise for cancer-related depression, yet little research has examined how therapeutic context shapes patient experiences. While set (mindset) and setting (environment) are considered central to psychedelic treatment, empirical evidence on their role in PAT acceptability remains limited. This study explores factors influencing the acceptability of PAT from the perspective of patients with cancer and depression. We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants in a clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Using template analysis, we examined themes related to the acceptability of the experience and the surrounding therapeutic environment. Participants (n = 28) described the psilocybin experience as intense and demanding, with therapeutic benefits closely tied to their ability to "surrender"-a term used to describe accepting and remaining open to the experience's intensity and unpredictability. A safe, supportive, and ethical environment was critical in fostering trust and engagement. Preparation and integration were key to maximizing benefit. Music played a significant but variable role, sometimes enhancing and other times distracting. While the clinical setting provided safety, ceremonial elements added meaning for many. Findings highlight how therapeutic structure, preparation, and setting shape PAT acceptability, supporting the need for patient-centered approaches to optimize care and outcomes.