V1. Individual experiences of integrating a DPE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study investigating individuals’ experiences of integrating a difficult psychedelic experience (DPE).
IRAS ID
262756
Contact name
Eleanor Parker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 11 days
Research summary
Introduction: Interest in the use of psychedelics is undergoing a huge renaissance; there are many active research studies investigating the treatment of mental health difficulties (e.g. depression, addictions) using different psychedelic substances (e.g. psilocybin, iboga, MDMA), with very promising results (e.g. Carhart-Harris, 2016). There has also been a surge in interest in taking these substances for personal healing, curiosity, or recreational reasons. Many of these substances are illegal across the world, so people may be experimenting underground, with little support and advice on how to integrate.
Integration is the cornerstone of healing with psychedelic medicine (Kaufman & Mccamy, 2019). However, there is little research that investigates how people attempt to integrate these profound experiences. Distressing or difficult psychedelic experiences (DPE) may be more disturbing and thus much harder to integrate. Understanding what makes a successful integration of a DPE could be helpful in order to maximise the efficacy of future clinical treatments of people with psychedelic medicine and also provide support for people who may be struggling with integration.
Aims: This study aims to explore people’s experiences of integration following a DPE, and what factors can help or hinder a successful integration process.
Design: A cross-sectional, qualitative design will explore 8-12 individual’s experience of integrating a DPE. The individuals will be recruited through two psychedelic integration groups and via the Psychedelic Society. They will be interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule and the interviews will be recorded and transcribed.
Analysis: The interviews will be analysed using a Thematic Analysis approach following the guidelines developed by Braun and Clarke (2006).REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
19/IEC08/0042
Date of REC Opinion
20 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion