The Potential Role of Serotonergic Hallucinogens in Depression Treatment
Dominika Psiuk, Emilia Nowak, Krystian Cholewa, Urszula Łopuszańska, Marzena Samardakiewicz
Life July 29, 2021 DOI: 10.3390/life11080765 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | psilocybin MDMA DMT LSD |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin Serotonin Depression |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Depression economics Escitalopram Adverse effect Depressive symptoms Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Pharmacology Antidepressant Cognition |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin and other psychedelics reduce depressive symptoms, with psilocybin showing comparable efficacy to escitalopram and no serious adverse events reported. |
Abstract
Due to an increasing number of depression diagnoses and limited effective treatments, researchers continue to explore novel therapeutic strategies for this disorder. Recently, interest has revolved around the use of serotonergic psychedelics to reduce the symptoms of depression. In this systematic review, we summarize the currently available knowledge on the safety and efficacy of psychedelic substances for the treatment of depression. A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database identified 14 clinical trials from the last 10 years that examined the use of psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, or LSD for the treatment of depression symptoms. Some psychedelics, especially psilocybin, demonstrated an ability to reduce depressive symptoms as measured by several psychological scales, which was often sustained for months after the last psychedelic session. Moreover, one study revealed that psilocybin has comparable efficacy to escitalopram in the treatment of depression. None of the studies reported any serious adverse events associated with psychedelic administration. The reviewed studies suggest that psychedelics have great potential in depression therapy and, after addressing and overcoming the current study limitations, may be used as a novel method of treating depression in the future.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on psilocybin for anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- The clinical pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) Journal of Neurochemistry February 12, 2022
- Side-effects of mdma-assisted psychotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis Neuropsychopharmacology April 23, 2024
- Esketamine and Psilocybin—The Comparison of Two Mind-Altering Agents in Depression Treatment: Systematic Review International Journal of Molecular Sciences September 28, 2022
- Safety issues of psilocybin and LSD as potential rapid acting antidepressants and potential challenges Expert Opinion on Drug Safety April 15, 2022
- Ayahuasca, a potentially rapid acting antidepressant: focus on safety and tolerability Expert Opinion on Drug Safety March 18, 2022
and 6 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
- 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 37 more in the library