An Occupational Perspective on Psychedelic Therapy: A Scoping Review.

A scoping review of qualitative studies on psychedelic use for mental health therapy found that, despite diverse therapy contexts and substances, patients reported comparable benefits for occupational engagement. These included increased mindfulness and autonomy in doing, a renewed sense of being, greater motivation to grow and become, and an improved sense of connection and belonging. The review demonstrates that psychedelic use can be experienced as a meaningful occupation that may contribute to overall health. It highlights the utility of an occupational perspective for stigmatized or non-sanctioned occupations and the need for more research from this viewpoint.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background. Interest in the use of psychedelics for mental health therapy is burgeoning. Qualitative research methods are increasingly used to understand patient's experiences; however, there is a lack of literature that explores psychedelic use from an occupational perspective. Purpose. To conduct a scoping review of qualitative literature on the experiences of psychedelic use for the purpose of mental health therapy, through an occupational lens. Key Issues. Wilcock’s occupational perspective of health was employed to analyze the use of psychedelics in mental health from an occupational perspective. Despite heterogeneous therapy contexts and substances used, patients reported comparable benefits regarding occupational engagement, such as increased mindfulness and autonomy in doing, a renewed sense of being, greater motivation to grow and become, and an improved sense of connection and belonging. Implications. This review demonstrates how psychedelic use in the context of mental health support can be experienced as a meaningful occupation and may contribute to overall health. In turn, this review highlights the utility of an occupational perspective for “non-sanctioned” or stigmatized occupations like psychedelic use, as well as the need for more research on psychedelic use from an occupational perspective. Using an occupational perspective of health can help to de-stigmatize psychedelic use as a meaningful occupation, rather than a deviant one, and shed light on how psychedelics may also positively impact one's participation in everyday life and overall health.