Mood & Mental Health

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Review

Psychedelics Ease Distress in Cancer and Terminal Illness

Psychedelics Ease Distress in Cancer and Terminal Illness

Psilocybin mushrooms

What they found

Across five clinical trials, psilocybin, LSD and MDMA eased anxiety, depression and existential distress in cancer and terminal patients.

Across five clinical trials, psilocybin, LSD and MDMA eased anxiety, depression and existential distress in cancer and terminal patients.

The number

five clinical trials with up to 56 participants

How solid is it?

Strong human

Strong human

Meta-analysis/systematic review

Meta-analysis/systematic review

Evidence ladder: Lab dish → Animal → Early human → Strong human. Reviews summarize earlier research.

At a glance

Latin name

Compound

psilocybin; LSD; MDMA

psilocybin; LSD; MDMA

Sample size

up to 56 participants

up to 56 participants

Published in

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology

Covered in Shroom Scan

Section

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

As it ran in Shroom Scan

Cancer Care

Cancer Care

Psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA significantly eased anxiety, depression, and existential distress in cancer patients and those with terminal illness. In five clinical trials with up to 56 participants, most showed lasting emotional relief without serious side effects. These therapies offer a powerful, compassionate option for improving quality of life when it's needed most.

Psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA significantly eased anxiety, depression, and existential distress in cancer patients and those with terminal illness. In five clinical trials with up to 56 participants, most showed lasting emotional relief without serious side effects. These therapies offer a powerful, compassionate option for improving quality of life when it's needed most.

Seizure Relief, Psilocybin for Cancer, and Mushrooms for Hormone Balance

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