Mystical Experiences, Psychosis, and Psychedelics: A Case Series on Meditation and Psychedelic-Induced Altered States
Gokul Raj
PsyArXiv May 4, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/n63ae_v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective case series Case report |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 4 |
| Population | Individuals presenting with meditation- or psychedelic-induced altered states at a tertiary care mental health facility in India |
| Measures | Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) |
| Topics | Meditation Mystical experience |
| Key findings | The authors report that meditation and psychedelic practices can trigger psychotic or affective episodes in predisposed individuals, illustrated by four cases with high mystical intensity (MEQ-30 scores 110-138). Most patients responded well to antipsychotic medication and supportive therapy, with one showing sustained post-recovery transformation. They argue that screening, supervision, and integrative management are essential for prevention and recovery. |
Abstract
Background: Spiritual and psychotic experiences share overlapping phenomenology, often making clinical differentiation challenging. The growing use of advanced meditation and psychedelics has further blurred this boundary.
Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted at the Department of Integrative Medicine,of a tertiary care mental health facility in India. Four individuals presenting with meditation or psychedelic-induced altered states and Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) scores ≥90 were analyzed.
Results: Four representative cases are presented: two meditation-induced psychoses, one psychedelic-associated affective psychosis, and one recurrent spiritual preoccupation with depression. MEQ-30 scores ranged from 110-138, reflecting high mystical intensity. Most patients responded well to antipsychotic medication and supportive therapy, with one showing sustained post-recovery transformation.
Conclusion: Meditation and psychedelic practices can trigger psychotic or affective episodes in predisposed individuals. Screening, supervision, and integrative management are essential for prevention and recovery.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on mystical experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| This is your brain on death: a comparative analysis of a near-death experience and subsequent 5-Methoxy-DMT experience. An individual who had a near-death experience during a coma caused by bacterial... | 2023 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Immersion, Absorption, and Spiritual Experience: Some Preliminary Findings. Female participants scoring high and low on the Absorption Scale | 2020 | Case study | n = 4 |
| The Bad Seed: Mystical Experience and Time Travel in the Treatment of Psychopathy A psychopathic personality | 2023 | Case study | n = 1 |
| An exploration of mystical experiences through life histories Three individuals (one woman, two men) in their fifties with appropriate mystical... | 2009 | Multiple case study within narrative methodology | n = 3 |
| Mystical Experiences as Catalysts in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Case Study Patient with generalized anxiety disorder and migraines | 2026 | Case study | n = 1 |