Psilocybin
Jessi Humphreys, Lou Lukas, Yvan Beaussant, Stacy M. Fischer, Dingle Spence, Jeremy P Harris, Charles S. Grob, Thais Salles Araujo, B. Anderson
May 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1093/med/9780197760864.003.0002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen |
| Key findings | Psilocybin shows growing evidence of benefit in major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, existential suffering, and substance use disorders, with low evidence of physiological harm. |
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in more than 200 mushroom species, has an enduring history of use in sacred rituals of Indigenous healers worldwide. With selective serotonin receptor binding, activation of the serotonergic neurological system enables psilocybin to potentiate neuroplasticity, enabling individuals to engage in meaning-making from psychedelic experiences. There is growing evidence of benefit in major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, existential suffering/demoralization, and promise in substance use disorders. Dosing ranges from lower “psycholytic” doses to higher “psychoactive” doses. Although there is low evidence of physiological harm to humans, further studies are needed to explore cardiac and neurological safety in diverse and vulnerable populations. Legal access is expanding through decriminalization, legalization, and “right-to-try” approaches, depending on the country and region. Future directions include expanded research; equitable access for vulnerable populations; reciprocity for Indigenous populations; and ensuring palliative patients, caregivers, and health care providers benefit from ethical and transparent research and clinical practice.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 68
- 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
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- 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
and 63 more in the library