A new study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews has revealed that psychedelic-assisted therapy may help reduce anxiety, depression, and existential distress in individuals facing life-threatening diseases.
MDMA (left), psilocybin (middle), and LSD (right).
Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston), University of Basel (Switzerland), Geneva University Hospitals (Switzerland), and the University of Freiburg (Germany) collaborated on the analysis, which focused on the potential therapeutic effects of substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA.
The study, which was also published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reviewed six randomized controlled trials, involving 149 participants, with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. The trials compared the effects of psychedelic-assisted therapy to placebo or active comparators, such as antidepressants. The therapy involved the use of classical psychedelics (psilocybin and LSD) and MDMA, paired with preparatory and integrative therapeutic sessions.
Key findings from the study suggest that classical psychedelics may reduce anxiety and depression, with low-certainty evidence showing significant improvements. For anxiety, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores demonstrated a mean difference of -8.41, while the Beck Depression Inventory showed a mean difference of -4.92 for depression. Although results for MDMA were less conclusive, the review points to a potential benefit in addressing psychological distress associated with terminal illnesses.
While no serious adverse events were reported, minor to moderate side effects, such as elevated blood pressure, nausea, and anxiety, were noted. However, these symptoms generally subsided after the drug’s effects wore off.
The researchers concluded that while the evidence is promising, further research with larger sample sizes and improved blinding techniques is needed. Additionally, the legal status of psychedelics continues to hinder more extensive studies. Nonetheless, this growing body of evidence highlights the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy to offer relief to individuals grappling with end-of-life psychological distress.
