Psilocybin as a New Approach to Treat Depression and Anxiety in the Context of Life-Threatening Diseases—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Ana Sofia Vargas, Ângelo Luís, Mário Barroso, Eugenia Gallardo, Luísa Pereira
Biomedicines September 5, 2020 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090331 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review with meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 92 |
| Population | Patients with depression and anxiety associated with life-threatening diseases |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin Depression |
| Keywords | Context archaeology Beck depression inventory Depression economics Meta-analysis Clinical psychology Randomized controlled trial Intervention counseling Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 121 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms compared to control, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. |
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine known for its psychedelic properties. Recent research indicates that psilocybin may constitute a valid approach to treat depression and anxiety associated to life-threatening diseases. The aim of this work was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials to assess the therapeutic effects and safety of psilocybin on those medical conditions. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to measure the effects in depression and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure the effects in anxiety. For BDI, 11 effect sizes were considered (92 patients) and the intervention group was significantly favored (WMD = −4.589; 95% CI = −4.207 to −0.971; p-value = 0.002). For STAI-Trait, 11 effect sizes were considered (92 patients), being the intervention group significantly favored when compared to the control group (WMD = −5.906; 95% CI = −7.852 to −3.960; p-value ˂ 0.001). For STAI-State, 9 effect sizes were considered (41 patients) and the intervention group was significantly favored (WMD = −6.032; 95% CI = −8.900 to −3.164; p-value ˂ 0.001). The obtained results are promising and emphasize the importance of psilocybin translational research in the management of symptoms of depression and anxiety, since the compound may be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in conditions that are either resistant to conventional pharmacotherapy or for which pharmacologic treatment is not yet approved. Moreover, it may be also relevant for first-line treatment, given its safety.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on psilocybin for anxiety, most cited first.