Psychedelics and the 'inner healer': Myth or mechanism?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reference to an intrinsic healing mechanism or an 'inner healer' is commonplace amongst psychedelic drug-using cultures. The 'inner healer' refers to the belief that psychedelic compounds, plants or concoctions have an intrinsically regenerative action on the mind and brain, analogous to intrinsic healing mechanisms within the physical body, for example, after sickness or injury.

Aims

Here, we sought to test and critique this idea by devising a single subjective rating item pertaining to perceived 'inner healing' effects.

Methods

The item was issued to 59 patients after a single high (25 mg, n = 30) or 'placebo' (1 mg, n = 29) dose of psilocybin in a double-blind randomised controlled trial of psilocybin for depression.

Results

Inner he

SUBMITTER: Peill J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11102647 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature