Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance
Roland R. Griffiths, William A. Richards, U. Mccann, Robert L. Jesse
Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0457-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Double-blind study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 36 |
| Population | Hallucinogen-naïve adults reporting regular participation in religious or spiritual activities |
| Interventions | Psilocybin Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
| Dose | 30 mg/70 kg psilocybin, 40 mg/70 kg methylphenidate hydrochloride |
| Duration | 8-hour sessions, 2-month follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin Mystical experience |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Clinical psychology Perception |
| Citations | 1,684 |
| Key points | When administered under supportive conditions, psilocybin occasioned experiences similar to spontaneously occurring mystical experiences. |
Abstract
RationaleAlthough psilocybin has been used for centuries for religious purposes, little is known scientifically about its acute and persisting effects.ObjectivesThis double-blind study evaluated the acute and longer-term psychological effects of a high dose of psilocybin relative to a comparison compound administered under comfortable, supportive conditions.Materials and methodsThe participants were hallucinogen-naïve adults reporting regular participation in religious or spiritual activities. Two or three sessions were conducted at 2-month intervals. Thirty volunteers received orally administered psilocybin (30 mg/70 kg) and methylphenidate hydrochloride (40 mg/70 kg) in counterbalanced order. To obscure the study design, six additional volunteers received methylphenidate in the first two sessions and unblinded psilocybin in a third session. The 8-h sessions were conducted individually. Volunteers were encouraged to close their eyes and direct their attention inward. Study monitors rated volunteers' behavior during sessions. Volunteers completed questionnaires assessing drug effects and mystical experience immediately after and 2 months after sessions. Community observers rated changes in the volunteer's attitudes and behavior.ResultsPsilocybin produced a range of acute perceptual changes, subjective experiences, and labile moods including anxiety. Psilocybin also increased measures of mystical experience. At 2 months, the volunteers rated the psilocybin experience as having substantial personal meaning and spiritual significance and attributed to the experience sustained positive changes in attitudes and behavior consistent with changes rated by community observers.ConclusionsWhen administered under supportive conditions, psilocybin occasioned experiences similar to spontaneously occurring mystical experiences. The ability to occasion such experiences prospectively will allow rigorous scientific investigations of their causes and consequences.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for 4 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Psilocybin produced acute perceptual changes and labile moods including anxiety, while also increasing mystical-type experience ratings.
Synthesized
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Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences and increased measures of mystical experience, but also produced acute anxiety and labile moods.
Synthesized
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Psilocybin produced acute perceptual changes and increased measures of mystical experience, and at 2 months volunteers rated the experience as personally meaningful and spiritually significant.
Synthesized
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State of the evidence: Psilocybin Supports
Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences that volunteers rated as having substantial personal meaning and spiritual significance, with persisting positive effects at 2 months.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on psilocybin for anxiety, most cited first.