Mechanisms of integration in psychedelic-assisted therapy
Nicole S. Coverdale, Douglas J. Cook
Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health December 1, 2023 DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0014 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Neuroticism Openness to experience Randomized controlled trial Cognition Personality |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Changes in brain networks during the integration phase of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy were inconsistent across studies, but some evidence suggests changes in the executive control network, and psychological changes were related to cognitive flexibility and personality traits such as openness and neuroticism. |
Abstract
LAY SUMMARY Psychedelic pharmacotherapies combined with structured psychotherapy have shown promise in the treatment of several psychological conditions. This type of therapy is known as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) and includes three phases: preparation, in-session support, and integration. The purpose of this review was to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used psychedelics to treat a psychological condition and to summarize the literature on changes that may be associated with clinical outcomes, as measured with MRI and various psychologically based tools. Psychedelics were administered in 17 RCTs, and 16 of these did so within a PAP framework. A total of 19 studies were identified that looked at MRI or psychological outcomes during the integration phase. Changes in brain networks during integration were identified but were not consistent between studies because of small sample sizes and inconsistent methodology. Some evidence suggests that changes in the executive control network may occur after psychedelic administration. Psychological changes after psychedelic administration were related to cognitive flexibility and personality traits such as openness and neuroticism. Overall, studies in this field should be repeated with a greater number of participants and other MRI-based techniques.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy | 2020 | Systematic review | |
| Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy—A Systematic Review of Associated Psychological Interventions | 2022 | Systematic review | |
| Psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Participants in studies of psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms (Major... | 2023 | Systematic review with meta-analysis | n = 14 |
| Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses or major depressive disorder | 2023 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | n = 686 |
| Treating posttraumatic stress disorder with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy: A preliminary meta-analysis and comparison to prolonged exposure therapy Patients with PTSD | 2016 | Meta-analysis |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Ayahuasca-assisted meaning reconstruction therapy as an early resource for bereavement: a non-randomized clinical trial. Scientific Reports September 1, 2025
- Social Worker Attitudes towards Psychedelics Clinical Social Work Journal February 6, 2025
- Insight to Action: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Psychedelic Integration Occupational Therapy in Mental Health June 3, 2026
Cites 61
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- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
and 56 more in the library