Overview
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
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