Mystical Experiences as Catalysts in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Case Study
Miguel Joaquim Soares Teles Couceiro, Victor José da Conceição Teixeira Amorim Rodrigues, Nuno Manuel Correia Torres
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs July 3, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2026.2696253 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn a patient with generalized anxiety disorder and migraines, mystical-type experiences during ketamine-assisted psychotherapy appeared to contribute to therapeutic improvements. After four intramuscular sessions (0.5-0.9 mg/kg), greater gains followed sessions with higher scores on the Hood Mysticism Scale. The patient attributed progress to the psychological and spiritual impact of the experiences, highlighting the importance of the therapeutic relationship and integration process. This case suggests that subjective mystical experiences may play a meaningful role in therapeutic change during ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Patient with generalized anxiety disorder and migraines |
| Intervention | Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy |
| Dose | 0.5-0.9 mg/kg |
| Duration | Four sessions |
| Topics | Anxiety Mysticism |
| Keywords | Therapeutic relationship Outcome game theory Scale ratio |
| Key finding | Mystical-type experiences during ketamine-assisted psychotherapy appeared to play a meaningful role in therapeutic change for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder and migraines. |
Abstract
This case study explores the potential role of mystical-type experiences in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). A patient with generalized anxiety disorder and migraines underwent four intramuscular KAP sessions (0.5-0.9 mg/kg). Outcomes were assessed using the Outcome Questionnaire-45 (OQ-45), the Hood Mysticism Scale (HMS), and interviews. Greater therapeutic gains followed sessions with higher HMS scores. The patient attributed improvements to the psychological and spiritual impact of the experiences, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship and integration process. In this case, these experiences appeared to play a meaningful role in therapeutic change, contributing to the discussion on the role of subjective effects in KAP.