PSYCHEDELICS IN PSYCHIATRY - OVERVIEW OF PSILOCYBIN RESEARCH
Anna Blazhkova, Magdalena Czaja, Hanna Sitka, Sven Solisch, Anna Susłow, Ewa Szczęsna
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science September 1, 2025 DOI: 10.31435/ijitss.3(47).2025.3650 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Psychoanalysis |
| Key findings | Psilocybin and psychedelic-assisted therapy demonstrate significant antidepressant effects and enhance neuroplasticity, connectivity, and cognitive flexibility, with established evidence in major depressive disorder and promising preliminary findings in anorexia nervosa. |
Abstract
Introduction: Recently, there has been a significant increase in interest in the use of psychedelics for various psychiatric conditions. Psilocybin is receiving particular attention as a psychoactive substance with significant therapeutic potential. Recent research focuses on its possible benefits in the treatment of major depressive disorders (MDD) and anorexia nervosa (AN). Purpose of the study: This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in treating MDD and AN by analyzing its mechanism of action, clinical trials results and further implications of PAT.
Materials and Methods: An overview of 26 articles sourced from PubMed and open-access databases was conducted, with a focus on randomized controlled trials, neurobiological mechanisms and also exploratory research.
Conclusions: Psilocybin and PAT demonstrated significant antidepressant effects, enhancing neuroplasticity, connectivity and cognitive flexibility. While evidence in MDD is significantly more established, preliminary findings in AN are promising, but still require further controlled clinical trials. Psilocybin represents a novel approach to treatment of MDD and AN.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 23
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics Pharmacological Reviews June 20, 2019
- Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo Neuron July 5, 2021
- Efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder: Prospective 12-month follow-up Journal of Psychopharmacology February 1, 2022
- Single-dose psilocybin for a treatment-resistant episode of major depression: Impact on patient-reported depression severity, anxiety, function, and quality of life Journal of Affective Disorders February 3, 2023
and 18 more in the library