Psychedelics for treatment resistant depression: are they game changers?
Michail Kalfas, Rosie H Taylor, Dimosthenis Tsapekos, Allan H. Young
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy November 10, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2281582 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with treatment-resistant depression |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Duration | At least 3 months |
| Topics | Depression Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Systematic review Treatment resistant depression Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Mood disorder therapy Mental health treatment Psychedelic medicine trials Psychoactive drugs |
| Citations | 28 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin shows a rapid antidepressant effect sustained for at least three months in some responders with treatment-resistant depression. |
Abstract
Psychedelic therapy has created a paradigm shift in the treatment of TRD, as it can maximize therapeutic benefits and minimize potential risks. Psilocybin holds promise as a potential game-changer in the treatment of TRD, with initial evidence suggesting a rapid antidepressant effect sustained for some responders for at least 3 months. Nevertheless, further adequately powered, double-blind, comparator-controlled trials are required to explore and clarify the mechanisms of action and long-term effects of psychedelics in TRD. Psychedelics also hold promise for other psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.