Psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) can provoke personally meaningful spiritual or existential experiences in patients; these experiences have been associated with improved outcomes across several treatment targets and populations. The need for spiritual and religious competence, though present across the spectrum of psychotherapeutic practice, is especially strong in psychedelic-assisted...
Recent clinical trials have suggested the safety and efficacy of psychedelic therapy for treatment-resistant depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction, and end-of-life distress. While neurobiological mechanisms such as 5-HT2A receptor activation, increased neural entropy, and default mode network modulation have been well-characterized, significantly less attention has been given to...
This chapter is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of five core psychedelic medicines—ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ayahuasca—highlighting their distinct pharmacological properties, cultural origins, therapeutic applications, and clinical research. Although each substance offers a unique entry point into expanded states of consciousness, they share a common potential to catalyze...
May 16, 2026Karthikaa Menon, Khushi Gupta, Smriti Sethi
This chapter examines emerging trends in psycho-oncology by exploring the connection between the mind and the body, the role of the immune system and specific biological markers. Through a review of literature on the role of biomarkers, specifically IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1ra, this review paper aims to understand how these substances can be used to understand the progression of cancer, potential...
The global mental health crisis, characterized by escalating rates of anxiety, depression, and existential distress, has exposed the limitations of conventional biomedical approaches. This chapter explores the integrative potential of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga as a synergistic triad for promoting comprehensive mental well-being. Grounded in both ancient contemplative traditions and...
Aging is associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation ("inflammaging"), which contributes to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Conventional pharmacotherapies often provide limited benefit in older adults and are further complicated by polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions. Psilocybin, a serotonergic...
The contemporary world is increasingly characterized by psychological instability, emotional fragmentation, existential uncertainty, and spiritual alienation. In the midst of technological advancement and material progress, modern humanity continues to suffer from anxiety, depression, restlessness, and a persistent crisis of meaning. Ancient Indian philosophical traditions, particularly the...
PURPOSE: The potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) to address existential distress in cancer populations is attracting increasing attention. However, this novel approach is challenged by stigma, hype, and misconceptions. The current study aimed to investigate the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of advanced cancer patients and carers regarding psychedelics and their potential...
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has demonstrated substantial efficacy across a range of mental disorders. However, heterogeneity between patients confers differential responsiveness. This systematic review aims to explore factors which may predict therapeutic responses to PAT. A systematic search was performed from inception through to March 2024 and studies that assessed predictors of...
Art TherapyApril 20, 2026Rebecca Ann Wilkinson, Alyssa B. Gursky
Renewal of research into psychedelics indicates their ability to provide relief from challenging conditions like trauma, treatment resistant depression, addictions, and end-of-life distress. Psychedelics appear to promote neuroplasticity, stimulate creativity, dampen fear responses, circumvent psychological defenses, soften rigid beliefs, and foster profound feelings of unity. The non-verbal,...