Acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder: Qualitative analysis
Agrawal, M., Beaussant, Y., Guérin, B., Ljuslin, M., Miner, S., Nigam, K. B., Sager, Z., Sanders, J. J., Tarbi, E., Thambi, P., Tulsky, J.
This interview study (n=28) explored the acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy in patients with cancer and depression (MDD) who were part of a clinical trial. Through semi-structured interviews, it found a generally positive view towards group therapy, highlighting its role in enhancing participants' safety, preparedness, connection, and belonging. The study identified key factors influencing acceptability, including the therapeutic framework's importance, the complementary nature of individual sessions, and the impact of group size and interaction structure.
Abstract
Background The present study explored the acceptability of psilocybin-assisted group therapy from the perspective of patients with cancer and depression who participated in a clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of this novel intervention.Methods Guided by the conceptual framework of acceptability, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews with participants of the psilocybin trial. Data were analyzed using template and thematic analyses.Results Participants’ (n=28) perspectives on the acceptability of the group and simultaneous sessions was generally positive, both in terms of safety and efficacy: first, the groups contributed to increase participants’ sense of safety and preparedness as they were engaging in the therapy; and second, the groups fostered a sense of connection and of belonging, which served to enrich and deepen the meaning of participants’ experience, ultimately opening a dimension of self-transcendence and compassion. Other subthemes related to factors influencing the acceptability of the group approach included: 1) the importance of the therapeutic framework, 2) the complementary value of individual sessions, 3) disruptive factors related to the group and/or simultaneous setting, and 4) opportunities and challenges related to group size and how to structure interactions.Conclusions This study enhances understanding of what promotes acceptability of the psilocybin-assisted therapy group model for the treatment of MDD in cancer patients.