EXPRESSION OF CONCERN: Efficacy of psilocybin for treating symptoms of depression: systematic review and meta-analysis
BMJ May 4, 2024 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q1025 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults with depression |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Psilocybin Depression |
| Keywords | Meta-analysis Depression economics Clinical trial Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | A calculation error in standardised mean differences likely overestimated the benefits of psilocybin for depression. |
Abstract
The journal and the authors are investigating the problem.The study analysed data from randomised trials of psilocybin for the treatment of depression in adults.A methodological concern has been raised about an error in the calculation of standardised mean differences.This is likely to have overestimated the benefits of psilocybin.The authors are reviewing and responding to the error and its implications for the findings and conclusions of the paper.The authors' response will be reviewed by The BMJ who will decide what further action is needed.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on psilocybin for depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review of modern‐era clinical studies Patients with cancer- or illness-related anxiety and depression, major depressive... | 2020 | Systematic review | n = 188 |
| The experimental effects of psilocybin on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis People with elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression | 2020 | Meta-analysis | n = 117 |
| Psychedelics in the treatment of unipolar mood disorders: a systematic review Patients with broadly defined unipolar mood disorders | 2016 | Systematic review | n = 423 |
| Psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Participants in studies of psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms (Major... | 2023 | Systematic review with meta-analysis | n = 14 |
| Serotonergic hallucinogens in the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients suffering from a life-threatening disease: A systematic review. Patients with life-threatening diseases and symptoms of anxiety or depression | 2018 | Systematic review | n = 445 |