Effectiveness of Psilocybin on Depression: A Qualitative Study
Hisham Alshaikhli, Redhwan Ahmed Al-Naggar, Gwen Erlam
Electronic Journal of General Medicine April 27, 2021 DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/10862 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | People currently taking psilocybin while experiencing depression and/or anxiety |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin Depression |
| Keywords | Clinical psychology Mood Qualitative research Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 14 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin use was associated with enhanced sensory experiences, feelings of universal connection, mood stabilization, increased optimism, emotional control, and a sense of calm in people with depression and anxiety. |
Abstract
Introduction: Psilocybin mushroom use is well documented in spiritual and religious ceremonies globally. This drug is now the most popular in Europe and the USA. \nObjective: The objective of this study is to explore the experiences and effects of psilocybin on patients with depression and anxiety. \nMethod: A qualitative study was conducted interviewing ten participants currently taking psilocybin while experiencing depression and/or anxiety. Ethical approval was obtained from the University ethics committee. Participants were recruited via social media and groups are known to have used psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and/or depression. Participants were informed of study aims and consent was obtained before interviews commenced. Confidentiality was maintained throughout this study. Interviews began with informing participants that psilocybin may be effective in the management of depression. Initially, information around the way treatment with psilocybin was obtained was sought. This was followed by queries around the effects of the drug in terms of experiences both during and after treatment. Finally, participants were asked to outline the positive effects of psilocybin on their lives. \nResults: The data were thematically coded using Grounded Theory as an underpinning philosophical paradigm. Emerging themes included enhancement of smell, vision, hearing, and taste sensations. Another theme emerging was the experience of being ‘connected with the universe’ while on the drug. Additionally, participants reported a stabilization of mood, an increase in optimism and emotional control, and a healthier emotional connection with others. Most also felt an increase in comfort, peace and calmness. Another theme that emerged centered on the mechanism of action of psilocybin. Participants stated that this substance seemed to ‘make new connections in their brain,’ resulting in new perspectives. Some participants felt this resulted in a calming influence on the mind and body. This aligns with research showing that psilocybin works by changing the thinking and improving information processing. \nConclusion: Psilocybin has promising effects on the patients with depression/anxiety even after a single dose. Psilocybin is safe but the administration should be guided by a health professional to yield safe and positive outcomes.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on psilocybin for anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer at the Dinner Table: Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Distress Adult participants with clinically elevated anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis | 2017 | Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis | n = 13 |
| Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study Participants who reported extended difficulties following psychedelic experiences | 2023 | Convergent mixed-method study | n = 608 |
| Sense-Making Around Psilocybin in UK Women Experiencing Cancer-Related Existential Distress: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Females in the United Kingdom with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer | 2026 | Qualitative study | n = 7 |
| Psilocybin Experiential Therapist Training: Insights from a World-First Study Mental healthcare professionals training to provide psilocybin-assisted therapy | 2025 | Qualitative study with quantitative measures and semi-structured interviews | n = 14 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 12
- Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression: Emerging research on a psychedelic compound with a rich history. Journal of Neurological Sciences December 1, 2021
- Experiences of psilocybin treatment for clinical conditions: A qualitative meta‐synthesis International Journal of Mental Health Nursing February 13, 2023
- Perspectives and preliminary experiences of psychedelics for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic scoping review. European Eating Disorders Review September 1, 2024
- Psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy for treatment‐resistant depression: Which psychotherapy? International Journal of Mental Health Nursing August 17, 2023
- Christian Responses to Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy and Potential Religious and Spiritual Experiences Religions October 19, 2023
and 7 more in the library
Cites 42
- 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
- The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
and 37 more in the library