Vetenskap och spiritualitet : En integrativ litteraturstudie om psykedelisk vetenskap och dess bidragande diskurs om medikalisering

Sammanfattning: Interest in psychedelic science is increasing in society. From ritual traditions to today's therapeutic use, psychedelic substances have played a role in healing, self-exploration, and spiritual understanding. Increased research activity as well as the introduction of university courses on psychedelic science at institutions such as Karolinska Institutet and Lund University also indicate an increased interest within the Swedish academy. This integrative literature review highlights the historical, scientific, and cultural dimensions of psychedelic science. The overview results in four themes; Historical background, Psychedelic assisted therapy, Challenges and risks and Ontological perspectives; the biomedical meets the spiritual. Within these themes appears a theoretical debate regarding the medical and social perspective in treatment within the field of psychedelic science, which in turn affects and mirrors the field of social work. Positive results in treatment of depression, anxiety and addictive disorders are presented, as well as methodological challenges and a complex cultural and spiritual significance. Finally, the relevance of psychedelic science in social work is discussed, where psychedelics can potentially offer new therapeutic approaches to complex mental health problems as well as highlight existential questions in a field in need of comprehensive perspectives.