Psilocybin-assisted Therapy for End-of-Life Distress

Psilocybin has been being researched by various institutions, including NYU and John Hopkins, for its potential therapeutic benefit to combat end-of-life anxiety due to terminal illness and cancer. The study results are fascinating:

At the 6.5-month follow-up, psilocybin was associated with enduring anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects (approximately 60–80% of participants continued with clinically significant reductions in depression or anxiety), sustained benefits in existential distress and quality of life, as well as improved attitudes towards death. The psilocybin-induced mystical experience mediated the therapeutic effect of psilocybin on anxiety and depression.

In this presentation, Gabby Agin-Liebes, a co-author of the psilocybin study quoted above and a PhD student studying clinical psychology, we explore:

• Formation of the NYU study
• Gabby’s role in the study
• How volunteers were selected
• Inclusion and admission criteria
• Study results
• Can psilocybin help those who are facing death?
• Current research that Gabby is part of and co-leading
• How to get involved in the psychedelic field
• Dreams and visions for the future of psychedelics and psychedelic research