Why it matters: This article discusses a recent study on the social acceptability of using psilocybin as an end-of-life treatment for existential dread. Psilocybin has already been shown to have therapeutic effects when combined with psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer. The study sought to gauge public opinion on the use of psilocybin for palliative care.
What they are saying: The study, conducted through an online survey with 2,800 Canadians, found that 79.3% of participants viewed psilocybin use as “reasonable” for those approaching the end of life. Additionally, a majority of participants believed that healthcare professionals should be able to prescribe psilocybin without government approval and that the public health system should cover the costs of treatment. Participants who had prior experience with psilocybin expressed higher levels of support.
The big picture: The study suggests that there is a high level of social acceptability for using psilocybin as a palliative care treatment for existential distress. This aligns with the growing interest in psilocybin-assisted therapy worldwide. The findings also highlight the need to improve access to this type of therapy as part of palliative care supports.
What to watch: It will be important to monitor whether the positive public opinion reflected in the study translates into policy changes and increased access to psilocybin-assisted therapy in Canada and other countries. Additionally, ongoing research on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and other psychedelics, including studies funded by organizations like the US Department of Veteran Affairs, will contribute to our understanding of their effects and benefits.
My take: The results of this study are encouraging, as they indicate a strong level of public support for using psilocybin as an end-of-life treatment. This could potentially pave the way for policy changes and expanded access to these therapies for individuals experiencing existential dread or other forms of distress at the end of life. As more research is conducted and public awareness increases, we may see a shift in societal attitudes towards the medical use of psychedelics.
