Explore the effect of psilocybin on depression and anxiety
Yutong Song
Arts, Culture and Language July 6, 2025 DOI: 10.61173/rcg8me57 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin Depression |
| Keywords | Depression economics Clinical psychology Hallucinogen Psychotherapist Cognitive psychology Keynesian economics |
| Key points | Argues that psilocybin is useful in depression treatment and is more suitable as a preventive rather than a therapeutic drug. |
Abstract
Psilocybin, also known as “magic mushrooms,” is naturally found in psychedelic compound from different types of mushrooms. The utility of psilocybin for spiritual and therapeutic purposes has already go through several centuries. Scientific research on these compounds gained traction in the mid-20th century, the increasing interest in the possible therapeutic benefits of psilocybin has led to more discoveries, including its use in the treatment of major depression disorder, anxiety disorder, addiction, and end-of-life distress. Research on the effects and safety of psilocybin is ongoing, but preliminary studies have shown promising results. Psilocybin has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat mental health disorders and support overall well-being. Sewell and colleagues suggest that for patients with cluster headaches, psilocybin could make an effective use in the cure or prevention of the regular appearance of cluster headaches. Other than this exciting exploration, treatment of depression and anxiety disorder is also worth discussion. This essay suggests that psilocybin is useful in depression treatment, and is more suitable as a preventive rather than a therapeutic drug in the course of treatment.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psilocybin for anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm General population | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Taking Psychedelics Seriously | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Virtual Reality as a Moderator of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Heffter Research Institute: Past and Hopeful Future | 2014 | Historical analysis | |
| Out of the box: A psychedelic model to study the creative mind | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 17
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
- Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Psilocybin in 9 Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry November 15, 2006
- Acute, subacute and long-term subjective effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a pooled analysis of experimental studies Journal of Psychopharmacology September 20, 2010
- Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder JAMA August 31, 2023
- Psilocybin – Summary of knowledge and new perspectives European Neuropsychopharmacology December 17, 2013
and 12 more in the library