The Reemerging Field of Psychedelic Research

Oct 9, 2020

Dr. Anthony Bossis, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at NYU, delves into the resurgence of psychedelic research, specifically focusing on psilocybin's therapeutic effects. He discusses its potential to alleviate existential fears in terminally ill patients and the transformative experiences reported during therapy sessions. Trust and preparation play critical roles in the process, and the discussion also addresses the stigma surrounding psychedelics, emphasizing the need for professional guidance to harness their benefits for disorders like PTSD and alcoholism.

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INSIGHT

Single Dose Transformation

Unlike most medications, psychedelics like psilocybin can have long-lasting effects after a single dose.
The experience itself, rather than just the drug, seems to drive personal transformation.

ADVICE

Embrace the Experience

During a psychedelic experience, let go and embrace the unfolding changes in consciousness.
Avoid trying to control or resist the experience, even if it's frightening.

ANECDOTE

The Set and Setting

Patients in Dr. Bossis's study lie on a couch with eye shades and headphones playing classical music.
This setup encourages introspection and minimizes external distractions during the psychedelic experience.

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The Reemerging Field of Psychedelic Research | This episode is brought to you by Perfect Keto

Hallucinogens like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin (a compound derived from certain species of mushrooms) were being researched in medicine as therapeutic agents before their recreational popularity boomed in the 1960s. Unfortunately, that era gave them a negative connotation and since then the research in medical psychedelics dramatically declined. Now, we are seeing a resurgence in interest for these types of therapies, and the research points to some positive benefits.

One of the most astounding things about using various compounds, like psilocybin, as medicine is the long-lasting and powerful benefits of a single dose. Dr. Hyman sits down for a conversation with Dr. Anthony Bossis, where he shares about his experience conducting psychedelic research.

Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D. conducts FDA-approved clinical trials in the reemerging field of psychedelic research. He is a clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine investigating the effects of psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound found in specific species of mushrooms. Dr. Bossis was director of palliative care research, co-principal investigator, co-author, and session guide on the 2016 landmark study showing a significant reduction in emotional distress along with enhanced existential well being from a single psilocybin-generated mystical experience in persons with cancer.

Dr. Bossis is a supervisor of psychotherapy at Bellevue Hospital and co-founder and former co-director of the Bellevue Hospital Palliative Care Service and maintains a private psychotherapy practice in NYC.

This episode is brought to you by Perfect Keto. Right now, Perfect Keto is offering Doctor’s Farmacy listeners 20% off plus free shipping with the code DRMARK. Just go to perfectketo.com/drmark, and make sure you try their Nut Butters and Keto Cookies.

Find Dr. Hyman’s full-length conversation with Dr. Anthony Bossis, “Are Psychedelics the New Wonder Drug for Mental Illness and the Fear of Death?” here: https://DrMarkHyman.lnk.to/AnthonyBossis