Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Found to Improve Depression, Offer Other Benefits
Richard Karel
Psychiatric News May 23, 2022 DOI: 10.1176/appi.pn.2022.06.6.30 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | News report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | People with major depressive disorder |
| Intervention | Psilocybin-assisted therapy |
| Duration | Up to one year following administration |
| Topics | Psilocybin Depression |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Adverse effect Depression economics Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Pharmacology |
| Key points | Psilocybin-assisted therapy in a therapeutic setting reportedly produced rapid, substantial antidepressant effects in 24 participants with major depressive disorder that lasted up to one year, with no serious adverse effects. The authors state that long-term efficacy and safety are not known and that larger studies are needed. |
Abstract
A small study involving 24 participants found that psilocybin therapy was safe and effective up to one year following administration. More research using larger sample sizes is needed to further clarify efficacy and safety. A study on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy in a therapeutic setting in 24 participants with major depressive disorder found that the hallucinogen provided rapid and substantial antidepressant effects lasting up to one year with no serious adverse effects. The long-term efficacy and safety of such treatment, however, are not known.