Psychedelic Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Patient Experiences in Qualitative Studies
Summary & key facts
Researchers collected and read 15 studies where patients described their own experiences with psychedelic treatments for mental disorders. These studies looked at about 180 patient accounts across different drugs and different illnesses. Even though the drugs and treatment settings were very different, many patients described similar helpful processes, such as gaining insights, changing how they saw themselves, feeling more connected to others, having spiritual or intense 'transcendent' moments, and being able to feel a wider range of emotions. Patients also said that non‑drug parts of treatment — like trust, safety, the therapist relationship, music, and long session time — mattered a lot.
- The review summarized 15 research articles that together reported about 180 people’s accounts of psychedelic treatment experiences.
- The studies involved several different drugs, including psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ketamine, ayahuasca and ibogaine.
- Across different drugs and disorders, patients often described similar helpful processes: getting personal insights, a changed sense of self, stronger feelings of connection with others, spiritual or transcendental experiences, and a broade
- Many patients said non‑drug factors strongly shaped their experience and outcomes. They pointed to trust, feeling safe, the bond with their therapists, the role of music, and the long duration of sessions.
- People in the included studies had been treated for different conditions, such as depression, post‑traumatic stress disorder, addiction, anxiety, eating disorders, and obsessive‑compulsive disorder.
- The studies were very diverse in drugs, treatment settings, and methods, so the review highlights common themes in experiences but cannot by itself prove that these treatments are effective or safe for everyone.
- The review shows that studying people’s own words and stories can reveal psychological processes and effects that standard questionnaires or tests might miss.
Abstract
This review demonstrates how qualitative research of psychedelic treatments can contribute to distinguishing specific features of specific substances, and carry otherwise undiscovered implications for the treatment of specific psychiatric disorders.