Psilocybin for End-of-Life Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Psychiatry Investigation October 10, 2021 Chia‐ling Yu, Fu-Chi Yang, Szu‐nian Yang et al. 57 citations
A meta-analysis of five clinical trials found that psilocybin is superior to placebo for reducing end-of-life anxiety symptoms. Psilocybin reduced state anxiety at 1 day and 2 weeks after treatment, and trait anxiety at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 6 months after treatment. Psilocybin caused a temporary increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with placebo. There were no significant differences between psilocybin and placebo in rates of stopping treatment, serious adverse events, or heart rate. The authors conclude that psilocybin-assisted therapy can improve end-of-life anxiety without serious side effects, but note the small sample sizes and high heterogeneity in long-term outcomes.