Psychedeliky asistovaná psychoterapie – experimentální strategie v léčbě úzkostně-depresivní symptomatologie vážně nemocných

Abstract

The article provides an introduction to the existing research in psychedelics-assisted psychotherapy focused on patients with life-threatening illnesses. It overviews studies from the 1950s and 1970s and deals with recent studies that refer to the safety and long-term antidepressant and anxiolytic potential of this method in patients with depression, anxiety and so-called existential distress. Further, the therapeutic context, psychological and somatic effects of psychedelics, including their risks, are briefly described, as well as possible mechanisms of action of psychedelics (especially psilocybin) from neurobiological and psychological perspectives. The main limitations of the existing research with regard to the possible use of psychedelics in palliative care are also discussed.