Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Psilocybin and Dimethyltryptamine in Depression Treatment: A Systematic Review
Gniewko Więckiewicz, Iga Stokłosa, Magdalena Piegza, Piotr Gorczyca, Robert Pudło
Pharmaceuticals August 12, 2021 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080793 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD Psilocybin Serotonin 5-MeO-DMT Depression DMT |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Depression economics Cochrane library Systematic review Medline Pharmacology Meta-analysis |
| Citations | 30 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin and DMT could be useful in depression treatment, but further observations are still required. |
Abstract
Despite many different kinds of substances available for depression treatment, depression itself still appears to be a clinical challenge. Recently, formerly illicit substances came to scientists’ attention, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Some studies suggest that these substances might be effective in depression treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of LSD, psilocybin and DMT in depression treatment in the light of current medical literature. The authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for this systematic review. The authors searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant publications. Finally, 10 papers were included. Most of the selected studies showed significant correlation between psilocybin and DMT use and reduction in depression symptom intensity. By analyzing qualified studies, it can be concluded that psilocybin and DMT could be useful in depression treatment, but further observations are still required.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Most included studies showed a significant correlation between psilocybin and DMT use and reduction in depression symptom intensity, but further observations were deemed necessary.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on DMT for depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The current state of ayahuasca research in animal models: A systematic review. Rodents, primates, and zebrafish | 2023 | Systematic review | n = 32 |
| Safety and tolerability of NN-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in healthy volunteers and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients: A systematic review of early-phase clinical trials. Healthy volunteers or patients with major depressive disorder | 2025 | Systematic review | |
| Ayahuasca Therapy: Possible Reduction of Suicidal Ideation in Treatment-Resistant Depression - A Systematic Review. Patients with depressive disorders | 2026 | Systematic review | n = 5 |