Exploring the Unique Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics to Reduce Chronic Shame Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults.
Nicholas A. Carlisle, Haley Maria Dourron, Sarah Maccarthy, Ali John Zarrabi, Peter S. Hendricks
Psychedelic Medicine December 13, 2023 DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2022.0018 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Pat Entheogenic therapy Psychedelic medicine Chronic shame Internalized stigma Self-stigma Toxic shame Lgbtq+ Sgm Queer community Gender diverse individuals Sexual minorities Mental health Well-being Healing Self-compassion Psychological wellness Therapeutic outcomes |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key points | Argues that psychedelic-assisted therapy may reduce chronic shame among sexual and gender minority people, a shame the authors position as a mediator between stigma-related stressors and negative health outcomes. Proposes that psychedelics could alleviate self-focused attention, prompt positive behavioral changes, and encourage adaptive perspectives on faith and spirituality, potentially mitigating health inequities. |
Abstract
Recent trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy have suggested potential efficacy for the treatment of many health conditions that disproportionately impact sexual and gender minority (SGM) people, including major depressive disorder and alcohol and tobacco use disorders. Despite these promising findings, the potential benefits of psychedelics for SGM people have been largely ignored. First, we highlight SGM health inequities and discuss therapeutic applications of psychedelics based on current research. Next, grounded by the minority stress model and the psychological mediation framework, we describe the role of shame as a significant mediator between stigma-related stressors and negative health outcomes for SGM people. We then apply self-entropic broadening theory to examine the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics to reduce chronic shame among SGM people, potentially mitigating health inequities, by (1) alleviating self-focused attention, (2) prompting positive behavioral changes, and (3) encouraging adaptive perspectives on faith and spirituality. Finally, we consider the limitations of psychedelic-assisted therapy and recommend tangible next steps for future research directions.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Learning to Let Go: A Cognitive-Behavioral Model of How Psychedelic Therapy Promotes Acceptance | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Awe: a putative mechanism underlying the effects of classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Towards psychedelic apprenticeship: Developing a gentle touch for the mediation and validation of psychedelic-induced insights and revelations. | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- Psilocybin-assisted therapy and HIV-related shame Scientific Reports August 2, 2024
- The library is open: a scoping review on queer representation in psychedelic research Frontiers in Public Health December 11, 2024
- Exploring Self-Reported Effects of Naturalistic Psychedelic Use Among Gender and Sexual Minorities: A Quantitative Survey Study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 18, 2025
- Perceived Impact of Psychedelics on Sexual, Gender, and Intimate Relationship Dynamics: A Mixed-Methods Investigation The Journal of Sex Research March 28, 2025
- Acute subjective effects of psychedelics in naturalistic group settings prospectively predict longitudinal improvements in trauma symptoms, trait shame, and connectedness among adults with childhood maltreatment histories. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry April 2, 2025
and 6 more in the library
Cites 23
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics Pharmacological Reviews June 20, 2019
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2011
and 18 more in the library