The Use of Classic Psychedelics for Depressive and Anxiety-Spectrum Disorders: A Comprehensive Review.
Vivian Kim, Scott M Wilson, Mary E Woesner
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology DOI: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001941 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Comprehensive review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety Depression |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Classic psychedelics show potential for treating depression and anxiety disorders, but evidence is limited by short follow-up durations and nonstandard methodologies. |
Abstract
Following a decades-long decline in psychedelic research resulting from social, political, and legislative factors, there has been greatly renewed interest in these compounds' ability to treat psychiatric disorders. Classic psychedelics, encompassing both natural and synthetic psychoactive compounds, are characterized by their action as agonists or partial agonists of serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptors. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the latest clinical trials of classic psychedelics on depression and anxiety, attending to the patient demographics and methodology of each study. Overall, studies published since 2020 affirm the potential for classic psychedelics to treat major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar II, and anxiety-spectrum disorders. However, findings are limited by short follow-up durations and nonstandard dosing and study designs. Given that many of the studies identified were post hoc analyses or follow-up studies from a select few parent studies, it is recommended that more original research be undertaken, with more diverse and larger sample sizes, standardized methodologies including blinding assessment, and long-term follow-up to identify duration of benefits and adverse reactions. It is also important to consider the role of psychological support and the therapeutic alliance in the psychedelic treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review General (healthcare, schools, workplace) | 2021 | Review | |
| A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders | 2017 | Review and consensus statement | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology | 2018 | Review | |
| Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: Challenges and Strategies | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Longitudinal neural and psychological changes following psilocybin under compassion imagery priming Frontiers in Human Neuroscience July 22, 2026
- Integration in classic psychedelic-assisted therapies for mental health conditions: a scoping review Psychedelics July 1, 2026
- Psychedelics and Mental Health in Endurance Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazil. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 20, 2026
- Of shrub, cactus, vine and toad: psychedelic species of conservation concern Frontiers in Conservation Science September 29, 2025
Cites 60
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
and 55 more in the library