Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review
Kwonmok Ko, Gemma Knight, James Rucker, Anthony J. Cleare
Frontiers in Psychiatry July 12, 2022 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.917199 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Open-label Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Psilocybin Ayahuasca Ketamine |
| Topics | Anxiety Mystical experience |
| Keywords | Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Distress |
| Citations | 296 |
| Key findings | Ten of twelve reviewed studies found a significant association between mystical experience and symptom reduction in psychedelic therapy for conditions including cancer-related distress, substance use disorder, and depressive disorders. |
Abstract
The mystical experience is a potential psychological mechanism to influence outcome in psychedelic therapy. It includes features such as oceanic boundlessness, ego dissolution, and universal interconnectedness, which have been closely linked to both symptom reduction and improved quality of life. In this review, 12 studies of psychedelic therapy utilizing psilocybin, ayahuasca, or ketamine were analyzed for association between mystical experience and symptom reduction, in areas as diverse as cancer-related distress, substance use disorder, and depressive disorders to include treatment-resistant. Ten of the twelve established a significant association of correlation, mediation, and/or prediction. A majority of the studies are limited, however, by their small sample size and lack of diversity (gender, ethnic, racial, educational, and socioeconomic), common in this newly re-emerging field. Further, 6 out of 12 studies were open-label in design and therefore susceptible to bias. Future studies of this nature should consider a larger sample size with greater diversity and thus representation by use of randomized design. More in-depth exploration into the nature of mystical experience is needed, including predictors of intensity, in order to maximize its positive effects on treatment outcome benefits and minimize concomitant anxiety. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021261752.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Ten of twelve reviewed studies found a significant association between mystical experience and symptom reduction in psychedelic therapy, though most studies were limited by small samples, lack of diversity, and open-label designs.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on mystical experience, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 260
- Psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders February 1, 2023
- Importance of Integrating Spiritual, Existential, Religious, and Theological Components in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies. JAMA Psychiatry July 1, 2023
- Investigation of self-treatment with lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin mushrooms: Findings from the Global Drug Survey 2020 Journal of Psychopharmacology March 6, 2023
- On the need for metaphysics in psychedelic therapy and research Frontiers in Psychology March 31, 2023
- Personal Psychedelic Use Is Common Among a Sample of Psychedelic Therapists: Implications for Research and Practice Psychedelic Medicine February 16, 2023
and 255 more in the library
Cites 43
- 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
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
and 38 more in the library