Yvan Beaussant - Acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy for cancer-related depression

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Acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy for cancer-related depression

The present study explored the acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy from the perspective of patients with cancer and depression who participated in a clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of this novel intervention. Method: Guided by the conceptual framework of acceptability, we conducted semi-structured interviews with participants of the psilocybin trial. Data were analyzed using template and thematic analyses. Results: Participants’ (n = 28) perspectives on the acceptability of the group and simultaneous sessions was generally positive, both in terms of safety and efficacy: first, the groups contributed to increase participants’ sense of safety and preparedness as they were engaging in the therapy; second, the groups fostered a sense of connection and of belonging, which served to enrich and deepen the meaning of participants’ experience, ultimately opening a dimension of self-transcendence and compassion. Other findings related to acceptability include the following themes: 1) the importance of the therapeutic framework, 2) the complementary value of individual sessions, 3) disruptive factors related to the group/simultaneous setting and 4) opportunities and challenges related to group size and how to structure interactions. Discussion: This study demonstrates that a group model of PAT is acceptable in a community cancer center and might enhance safety and efficacy, suggesting new ways PAT may be scaled and integrated into cancer care.

BIOGRAPHY
A hematologist and palliative care physician, Dr. Beaussant currently serves as faculty in the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and as an instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He graduated from the Certificate Program in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2018, where he now serves as a mentor. Dr. Beaussant’s research focuses on developing and assessing psychedelic-assisted therapy to address psychological and existential distress in patients with serious illness. In particular, he investigates different models of psilocybin- and MDMA-assisted therapy to address depression, adjustment disorder, pain, and existential distress in this population.