Set and setting in psilocybin-assisted therapy: A qualitative study of patients with cancer and depression

IF 3.7 2区医学 Q1 PSYCHIATRY

General hospital psychiatry Pub Date : 2025-10-11 DOI:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2025.10.010

Yvan Beaussant , Elise Tarbi , Kabir Nigam , Skye Miner , Zachary Sager , Justin Sanders , Michael Ljuslin , Benjamin Guérin , Roxanne Sholevar , Kimberly Roddy , James A. Tulsky , Manish Agrawal

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) shows promise for cancer-related depression, yet little research has examined how therapeutic context shapes patient experiences. While set (mindset) and setting (environment) are considered central to psychedelic treatment, empirical evidence on their role in PAT acceptability remains limited. This study explores factors influencing the acceptability of PAT from the perspective of patients with cancer and depression.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants in a clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Using template analysis, we examined themes related to the acceptability of the experience and the surrounding therapeutic environment.

Results

Participants (n = 28) described the psilocybin experience as intense and demanding, with therapeutic benefits closely tied to their ability to “surrender”—a term used to describe accepting and remaining open to the experience's intensity and unpredictability. A safe, supportive, and ethical environment was critical in fostering trust and engagement. Preparation and integration were key to maximizing benefit. Music played a significant but variable role, sometimes enhancing and other times distracting. While the clinical setting provided safety, ceremonial elements added meaning for many.

Conclusions

Findings highlight how therapeutic structure, preparation, and setting shape PAT acceptability, supporting the need for patient-centered approaches to optimize care and outcomes.

查看原文本刊更多论文

裸盖菇素辅助治疗的设置和设置：癌症和抑郁症患者的定性研究。

背景：裸盖菇素辅助疗法（PAT）显示出治疗癌症相关抑郁症的希望，但很少有研究调查治疗环境如何影响患者的经历。虽然设定（心态）和设定（环境）被认为是迷幻药治疗的核心，但关于它们在PAT可接受性中的作用的经验证据仍然有限。本研究从癌症和抑郁症患者的角度探讨影响PAT可接受性的因素。方法：我们对参与裸盖菇素辅助治疗临床试验的参与者进行了半结构化访谈。使用模板分析，我们检查了与经验的可接受性和周围治疗环境相关的主题。结果：参与者（n = 28）将裸盖菇素的体验描述为强烈而苛刻的，其治疗效果与他们“投降”的能力密切相关——这个术语用于描述接受并保持对体验的强度和不可预测性的开放态度。一个安全、支持和道德的环境对于促进信任和接触至关重要。准备和整合是实现效益最大化的关键。音乐发挥了重要但多变的作用，有时增强，有时分散。虽然临床环境提供了安全，但仪式元素为许多人增添了意义。结论：研究结果强调了治疗结构、准备和设置如何影响PAT的可接受性，支持以患者为中心的方法来优化护理和结果的需要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

General hospital psychiatry 医学-精神病学

CiteScore

9.60

自引率

2.90%

发文量

125

审稿时长

20 days

期刊介绍： General Hospital Psychiatry explores the many linkages among psychiatry, medicine, and primary care. In emphasizing a biopsychosocial approach to illness and health, the journal provides a forum for professionals with clinical, academic, and research interests in psychiatry''s role in the mainstream of medicine.