Psychedelic-assisted therapy for death acceptance in terminal illness: A scoping review

A scoping review of studies from 1990 to 2023 suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy may lead to significant and lasting reductions in anxiety, depression, and existential distress among terminally ill patients. These improvements appear to be mediated by enhanced death acceptance. The therapy may also increase psychological flexibility and reduce demoralization, supporting better mental health outcomes. The review concludes that psychedelic-assisted therapy represents a promising approach to improving quality of life for terminally ill patients by fostering acceptance of their prognosis and mortality, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and existential distress are common among individuals with terminal illness. Preliminary evidence suggests that death acceptance may protect against these issues, but there is limited research on the role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in fostering death acceptance. This scoping review aims to explore the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy to promote death acceptance among terminally ill patients. Methods A scoping review was conducted, examining studies published between 1990 and 2023. The review included studies on psychedelic-assisted therapy for death acceptance and closely related constructs, such as psychological flexibility, existential distress, and demoralization in terminally ill populations. Results Findings indicate that psychedelic-assisted therapy may lead to significant and lasting reductions in anxiety, depression, and existential distress. These improvements appear to be mediated by enhanced death acceptance. The therapy may also increase psychological flexibility and reduce demoralization, supporting better mental health outcomes for terminally ill individuals. Conclusions Psychedelic-assisted therapy represents a promising approach to improving quality of life for terminally ill patients by fostering acceptance of their prognosis and mortality. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings. The development of standardized measurement tools and consideration of patient demographics, such as age and spiritual beliefs, are recommended.