Confronting mortality: A meta-analysis and systematic review of psychedelic experiences and death anxiety
Alicia Cohorst, Petri Kajonius
Journal of Psychopharmacology March 9, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/02698811261424199 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Adults in clinical and general population settings |
| Intervention | Psychedelic substances |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Keywords | Death anxiety Moderation Psychological intervention Systematic review Qualitative research Meta-analysis Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Randomized controlled trial |
| Key findings | Psychedelic administration is associated with a moderate-to-large reduction in death anxiety, with stronger effects in clinically controlled settings and a positive link between mystical experiences and reduced death anxiety. |
Abstract
This meta-analysis and systematic review examined the effects of psychedelic substances on death anxiety, specifically evaluating whether psychedelic experiences are associated with statistically significant reductions in death anxiety. A systematic search identified 8 studies suitable for meta-analysis and 10 additional studies for systematic review. Using a random-effects model, the meta-analysis revealed a significant overall effect (Cohen’s d = 0.70; 95% confidence interval [0.42, 0.97]), indicating a moderate-to-large reduction in death anxiety following psychedelic administration. Subgroup analyses showed stronger effects in clinically controlled settings compared to the general population. A mixed-effects meta-regression also indicated that particularly mystical experiences were positively associated with reductions in death anxiety ( B = 4.90, p = 0.050). Moderator effects by substance type were not significant. The qualitative review reaffirmed these results and identified themes of ego dissolution, emotional catharsis, and living in the present moment. Psychedelic-assisted interventions may be effective for reducing death anxiety, particularly in end-of-life care. However, limitations include a small number of studies, potential publication bias, and high heterogeneity in outcome measurement. Future research should employ more methodologically rigorous trials in order to clarify the mechanisms of psychedelic-assisted approaches to death anxiety.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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and 36 more in the library