Experiencing the intensity of psychedelic substances: A mix of fear and pleasure
NYU Researcher Explores Psychedelics and Mystical Experiences for Mental Health Benefits
Tony Bossis, a researcher at the NYU School of Medicine, is delving into the world of psychedelics and their correlation with mystical experiences, particularly focusing on their therapeutic potential. His current research interests revolve around exploring psychedelic experiences, mystical consciousness, and their therapeutic potential, with a specific focus on stress reduction in cancer patients and spiritual experiences comparable to those in great religions.
Bossis' work is funded by a $3.5 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation. His research has been instrumental in notable clinical studies investigating the therapeutic use of psilocybin among religious leaders and cancer patients. These studies aim to understand how these substances can facilitate mystical and transformative experiences that may alleviate psychological distress.
One of the key findings from Bossis' research is the impact of psilocybin on religious leaders. In a recent study, Bossis was a co-author, demonstrating that psilocybin-assisted sessions can profoundly enhance spiritual life and emotional well-being in clergy from major world religions. This work highlights the connection between psychedelic experiences and religious or mystical states traditionally reported in established faiths. The study suggested that such experiences can improve spiritual attitudes and behaviors, bridging clinical psychedelic research with comparative religious studies.
Bossis has also explored the mystical experience and consciousness, presenting work on consciousness in contexts linking death, psychedelics, and mystical experience. This broad interest in how psychedelics induce ego-dissolution and spiritual phenomena traditionally described in near-death or religious experiences is a significant part of his research.
Another area of focus for Bossis is the use of psilocybin in cancer patients. Notable studies have shown promising results in decreasing psychological distress by facilitating profound mystical-type experiences during therapeutic sessions, which appear to mediate improvements in mood and quality of life.
Currently, Bossis is conducting a study to investigate the effects of psilocybin on spiritual well-being in individuals with depression. This study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, is expected to enroll 72 participants with major depressive disorder. The study will measure changes in spiritual well-being, mood, and quality of life before and after the administration of psilocybin.
This study marks the first of its kind to specifically focus on spiritual well-being as an outcome measure in a psilocybin trial for depression. Bossis' research is intended to provide insights into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for various mental health conditions.
In conclusion, Anthony Bossis’ current research integrates clinical psychedelic treatment with explorations of mystical and religious consciousness, aiming to understand how these experiences can be harnessed for mental health benefits—especially stress reduction in patients facing life-threatening illnesses and understanding parallels between psychedelic mystical states and those reported in world religions.
