A survey of 31 patients with incurable illnesses found that 51.6% expressed interest in future psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAT). Belief that psilocybin could help with stress and anxiety was linked to interest. Patients voiced concerns about risk of psychosis, lack of trained providers, and potential for exploitation—the latter being a novel finding in this population. No demographic factors or levels of existential distress were associated with interest.
A randomized clinical trial tested whether improvements in cognitive functioning and perceived cognitive abilities from a 6-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program for breast cancer survivors (MBSR[BC]) were mediated by increased mindfulness, decreased rumination, or decreased perceived stress. Among 212 breast cancer survivors (mean age 56.5, 73.1% White non-Hispanic), increases in the "observing" facet of mindfulness partially mediated MBSR(BC) effects on quality-of-life impairments and logical memory at 6 months compared to usual care. No mediation effects were found at 6 or 12 weeks, nor when MBSR(BC) was compared to a Breast Cancer Education Support program. The results partially support that cognitive improvements may occur through increased mindfulness.