Psilocybin as a Tool in the Management of Palliative Care: An Historical, Pharmacological and Clinical Approach
Andrés David Turizo Smith, Natalia Jaramillo, Diana Milena Berrío Cuartas
Medical & Clinical Case Reports Journal May 19, 2025 DOI: 10.51219/mccrj/andres-david-turizo-smith/233 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin End-of-life distress |
| Keywords | Palliative care Intensive care medicine Hallucinogen Nursing Pharmacology |
| Key findings | Psilocybin may improve quality of life in palliative care by reducing psychological distress and enhancing emotional well-being. |
Abstract
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in certain mushrooms, has been used for centuries in spiritual ceremonies and neuropsychiatric therapy.Despite its stigmatization as a Schedule I substance in 1970, research into psilocybin has resurged since the early 2000s, particularly in psychiatry and palliative care.This review examines psilocybins potential to improve the quality of life in palliative care by reducing psychological distress and enhancing emotional well-being.The discussion includes its historical context, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, legal status and future perspectives in palliative care.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin for end-of-life distress, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Context of Serious Illness. Palliative care clinicians and patients | 2022 | Review | |
| The Potential of Psychedelics for End of Life and Palliative Care. Patients with life-threatening diagnoses | 2022 | Review | |
| Psilocybin in Palliative Care: An Update. Palliative care patients | 2023 | Review | |
| Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for existential distress: practical considerations for therapeutic application—a review | 2024 | Narrative review | |
| Psychedelics for the treatment of end-of-life distress in patients with a life-threatening disease. Patients with life-threatening disease and end-of-life distress | 2025 | Review |