Using psilocybin to reduce end of life anxiety

Around 40-50% of newly diagnosed cancer patients suffer some sort of depression or anxiety. This anxiety can arise from the awareness of one's own mortality, the fear of suffering and pain during the dying process, and the uncertainty of what will happen after death.

Antidepressants typically have little effect, particularly on the “existential” depression that can lead some to feel their lives are meaningless and contemplate suicide.

Studies have found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can help people with end-of-life anxiety to experience a sense of interconnectedness with the world and others, leading to a reduction in their feelings of anxiety and a greater acceptance of death. Psilocybin may also help to alleviate depression and improve overall quality of life.

Two separate studies (at Johns Hopkins University and NYU Langone Medical Center) have shown that a single dose of psilocybin can lift the anxiety and depression experienced by people with advanced cancer for up to 8 months or even longer.

Researchers involved in the two trials in the United States say the results are remarkable, with around 80% of the patients attributing moderately or greatly improved wellbeing or life satisfaction to a single high dose of the drug, given with psychotherapy support.