Alternative therapy for neurological and psychiatric disorders using psilocybin
Henrique Tofoli Vieira Machado, Geovana Mendes de Seixas, L. Silva, Mariana Duarte Garcia Brito, Gabriella Assink de Castro
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Addiction Anxiety Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial Psychotherapist Substance use Clinical psychology |
| Key findings | Psilocybin positively affected patients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance dependence, reducing symptoms and improving well-being. |
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, psilocybin has been explored as an alternative therapy for neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance dependence. Studies suggest that when administered under professional supervision, psilocybin can offer relief for patients with treatment-resistant disorders.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in treating difficult-to-treat conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance dependence.
Methods: A systematic review of clinical and experimental studies published in the past 5 years was conducted. The research was based on databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO, prioritizing studies on psilocybin in psychiatric disorder treatment. Randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and case studies were reviewed.
Results: Studies showed that psilocybin positively affected patients with treatment-resistant depression, improving symptoms significantly with just a few doses. In patients with anxiety and PTSD, psilocybin reduced symptom intensity and improved emotional well-being. It also showed efficacy in reducing addictions such as alcohol and nicotine, offering new perspectives on addiction. The mechanisms of action suggest that psilocybin enhances brain connectivity, aiding in trauma reprocessing and restructuring negative thought patterns.
Conclusion: Psilocybin is a promising alternative therapy for hard-to-treat disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and substance dependence. Administered under professional supervision, it offers benefits and a favorable safety profile. However, more research is required to understand its mechanisms, effects, and risks.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on psilocybin for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic effect of psilocybin in addiction: A systematic review Patients with alcohol use disorder or tobacco use disorder | 2023 | Systematic review | n = 151 |
| Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: A Review of a Novel Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders Patients with psychiatric disorders related to anxiety, depression, and substance use | 2017 | Systematic review | n = 7 |
| The intensity of the psychedelic experience is reliably associated with clinical improvements: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients treated with classical psychedelics | 2025 | Meta-analysis | |
| Psychedelic‐assisted treatment for substance use disorder: A narrative systematic review Participants in studies of psychedelic-assisted treatment for alcohol, tobacco, and... | 2025 | Systematic review | n = 2,035 |
| Psychedelic Treatments for Substance Use Disorder and Substance Misuse: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Adults with substance use disorder or substance misuse | 2023 | Systematic review |