Sense-Making Around Psilocybin in UK Women Experiencing Cancer-Related Existential Distress: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Seven women in the United Kingdom with a current or previous cancer diagnosis were interviewed about their attitudes toward using psilocybin for mental health. Four had used psilocybin and three had considered it. Participants viewed psilocybin as a needed alternative to traditional treatments for depression and anxiety linked to their cancer diagnosis, but they felt its illegal status was a major barrier to access. Three themes emerged: somatic healing needs, illegality as both a burden and boundary, and reconnecting self, nature, and mortality. The authors suggest a compassionate access scheme in the UK could transform mental health care for people with cancer.

Study at a glance

Abstract

People with cancer often experience anxiety and depression following a diagnosis and can face barriers to accessing treatment for their mental health. An increasing number of patients are considering alternative approaches to managing their mental health symptoms, such as the psychedelic, psilocybin. A growing number of clinical trials show significant and enduring improvements in mood and quality of life following psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) in this patient group. While the lived experiences of patients undergoing PAT in clinical trials and medical contexts have been explored, the broad decision-making processes, perceptions of societal and self-acceptance of psilocybin, and the impact or otherwise of the legality of psilocybin outside of these settings have not. In this study, qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the attitudes and perceptions of using psilocybin by seven females in the United Kingdom with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer (four who had used psilocybin and three who had considered taking the drug). Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three group experiential themes were created: (i) somatic healing needs; (ii) outlawing nature: illegality as both a burden and boundary; and (iii) reconnecting self, nature, and mortality. Participants considered psilocybin a much-needed alternative to traditional treatments for the depression and anxiety they experienced in relation to their cancer diagnosis but felt its legal status was a significant barrier to access. As such, a compassionate access scheme here in the United Kingdom could transform the mental health of people with cancer.