An Occupational Perspective on Psychedelic Therapy: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Psychopharmacology
• Mental health research

Background:

• Growing interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment.
• Qualitative research increasingly used to understand patient experiences.
• Limited literature explores psychedelic use from an occupational perspective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of qualitative literature.
• To examine patient experiences of psychedelic use for mental health therapy.
• To apply an occupational lens to understand these experiences.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of qualitative studies.
• Analysis using Wilcock's occupational perspective of health.
• Synthesis of patient-reported benefits.

Main Results:

• Patients reported increased mindfulness and autonomy in occupational 'doing'.
• Renewed sense of occupational 'being' and motivation for personal growth ('becoming').
• Improved occupational connection and sense of 'belonging' were noted.

Conclusions:

• Psychedelic use in mental health can be a meaningful occupation, contributing to overall health.
• An occupational perspective can help destigmatize psychedelic use.
• Further research is needed on psychedelic use from an occupational viewpoint.