Association between mystical-type experiences under psychedelics and improvements in well-being or mental health – A comprehensive review of the evidence
Journal of Psychedelic Studies March 3, 2023 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2023.00243 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Cross-sectional Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 44 |
| Population | Healthy people and clinical populations |
| Topics | Mystical experience |
| Key findings | Mystical-type experiences under psychedelics are associated with improvements in well-being and mental health, but psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs may be as or more important. |
Abstract
Ingestion or administration of classic psychedelics is sometimes associated with improvements in well-being or mental health. Acute mystical-type experiences that psychedelics occasion have been suggested to be related to such improvements. Meanwhile, other features of the psychedelic experience, such as psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs, are also increasingly being studied. This review aimed to collect and assess the available evidence for mystical-type experiences under psychedelics associating with medium-to-long term improvements in well-being or mental health, on their own and as compared with other features of the acute experience.I conducted a pre-registered, comprehensive review of existing empirical studies on the topic, based on a systematic search of the literature.Forty-four eligible studies were found, with most reporting positive associations between mystical-type experiences and improvements in well-being or mental health. The current level of evidence appeared stronger among healthy people, in cross-sectional studies, and for links with positive changes in general well-being and life satisfaction, attitudes and behavior, and anxiety, than for depression or other aspects of well-being and mental health. A few studies suggested that psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs may be as or more closely associated with positive changes than mystical-type experiences.Despite their significant limitations, the identified studies suggest that mystical-type experiences under psychedelics are associated with improvements in some areas of well-being. However, psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs might be at least as important and should also be measured in future studies.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on mystical experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review | 2022 | Systematic review | |
| Insights on psychedelics: A systematic review of therapeutic effects. Participants in peer-reviewed studies on classic psychedelics at psychoactive levels | 2025 | Systematic review | n = 98 |
| The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review. | 2024 | Systematic review | |
| Exploring the role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in enhancing spirituality and mystical experiences in patients with life-threatening illnesses: A systematic review. Patients with life-threatening illnesses, majority having cancer | 2025 | Systematic review | n = 140 |
| Ketamine as a mental health treatment: Are acute psychoactive effects associated with outcomes? A systematic review. Adults with a psychiatric diagnosis (depression, substance use disorders, social... | 2020 | Systematic review | n = 891 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 81
- How does psilocybin therapy work? An exploration of experiential avoidance as a putative mechanism of change. Journal of Affective Disorders August 1, 2023
- High ventilation breathwork practices: An overview of their effects, mechanisms, and considerations for clinical applications. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews December 1, 2023
- Psilocybin and Other Classic Psychedelics in Depression. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2024
- Unique Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Psilocybin Therapy Versus Escitalopram Treatment in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction March 7, 2024
- Transpersonal Ecodelia: Surveying Psychedelically Induced Biophilia Psychoactives May 25, 2023
and 76 more in the library
Cites 56
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
and 51 more in the library