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Meaning and Psychedelics in Palliative Care: A Narrative Review
William B Alexander1, Eric D Hansen1, Brian T Anderson2
1Department of Supportive and Palliative Care (W.B.A., E.D.H., Z.R.F., D.S., A.A.C.), Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|October 31, 2025
Summary
Loss of meaning in advanced illness can cause demoralization. Psychedelic therapy, combined with psychological support, shows promise in palliative care by enhancing meaning and potentially alleviating existential distress.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care Medicine
- Psychopharmacology
- Existential Psychology
Background:
- Meaning is crucial for coping in advanced illness.
- Loss of meaning can lead to demoralization, impacting quality of life and increasing risks.
- Psychedelics are being explored for their potential to enhance meaning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on meaning in palliative care.
- To examine the impact of meaning loss, specifically demoralization.
- To assess interventions like existential psychology and psychedelic therapies.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of literature was performed.
- Searches were conducted in PubMed.
- Articles were screened and synthesized based on objectives.
Main Results:
- Demoralization syndrome is characterized by meaning loss, reduced quality of life, and increased symptoms.
- Existential interventions show some benefits, but evidence for demoralization is limited.
- Psychedelic therapy integrates meaning-making and shows early promise for existential distress.
Conclusions:
- New approaches are needed for existential distress and demoralization.
- Psychedelic therapy offers a combined pharmacological and psychological approach.
- This therapy shows potential for improving demoralization by promoting meaning-making.
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