Psilocybin may reduce depressive symptoms in cancer patients, with mixed effects on anxiety and time-dependent improvements in spiritual well-being and, in single-arm data, quality of life. However, due to the small number of studies, high heterogeneity, challenges with blinding and expectancy, and frequent co-intervention with psychotherapy, these findings are preliminary. Larger, rigorously blinded trials are needed to determine clinical effectiveness and safety.
An online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program reduced anxiety and showed a borderline decrease in depression among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The intervention group also had a higher rate of ultrasound-confirmed intrauterine pregnancy. The randomized trial assigned 133 infertile women to either an online MBSR intervention or a control group. The MBSR group attended twice-weekly mindfulness sessions over three months. The authors suggest that online MBSR may effectively reduce psychological distress in women undergoing IVF, with potential benefits for pregnancy outcomes.