Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Meditative Experience as Factors of Personal Change

Abstract

Background. As a result of the military attack in Ukraine, both the military and civilian population are facing mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Classical psychotherapy and psychiatry are often ineffective in treating these conditions. In the United States and Europe, a significant amount of research is being conducted on psychedelic-assisted therapy and its potential psychotherapeutic impact on the treatment of depression and PTSD, especially in cases where traditional treatments are not effec¬tive. Given this, it may be extremely beneficial for Ukraine to consider an alternative treatment for PTSD and depression, such as psychedelic- assisted therapy. Our study emphasizes the importance and relevance of this issue. Goal. To reveal the features of psychedelic-assisted therapy and meditative experience as factors of personal changes, such as anxiety level, subjective well-being, overall life satisfaction, and self-awareness. Methods. The design of this study is combined: it includes quantitative and qualitative methods. The independent variables were experience in psychedelic-assisted therapy, experience in meditation, and experience in both practices; the dependent variables were anxiety, subjective well-being, general life satisfaction, and self-awareness. The total sample was 33 people. Results. Meditation and psilocybin therapy improve the emotional state and psychological well-being of the subjects, in particular, they promote focus, inner peace, self-awareness, reduction of anxiety and depression, as well as self-knowledge and self-development. Conclusions. Meditation and participation in PAT reduce anxiety. Respondents who meditated and participated in PAT had lower levels of anxiety compared to other groups. Participation in PAT increased the level of subjective well-being the most. Participation in PAT and meditation increase self-awareness. Respondents who engaged in these practices had a higher level of self-awareness compared to the group that only meditated. Respondents assess the effectiveness of the therapy as high and sustainable. They note significant changes in their lives, such as relief of depression symptoms, improved cognitive function, changes in attitudes toward themselves and others, and increased energy and decision-making ability. Thus, participation in PAT and meditation is advisable for people who have low levels of self-awareness and subjective well-being and want to increase them, and high levels of anxiety and depression and want to decrease them.