Psilocybin: Systematic review of its use in the treatment of depression
P. Andres-Olivera, Janis V. de la Iglesia, E. Dominguez-Alvarez, P. Soto’gonzalez, C. P. Rodriguez, C. Munaiz-Cossio, R. K. Gonzalez-Bolaños, R. Brito-Rey, C. Marín-lorenzo, B. Arribas-Simón
European Psychiatry April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.926 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Depression Psilocybin |
| Key findings | Psilocybin produces significant improvements in depressive symptoms compared to standard treatments, with rapid and sustained symptom reduction and few adverse effects. |
Abstract
Introduction: Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, has shown potential in treating depression, especially in cases resistant to conventional treatments. This study systematically reviews the scientific literature to assess its efficacy and safety.
Objectives: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of psilocybin for the treatment of depressive disorder through a systematic review of the current scientific literature Methods An exhaustive search was conducted in databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, using specific MeSH term and selecting studies published between 2019-2024 that investigated the effects of psilocybin in treating depression.
Results: The included studies demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms with psylocibin compared to standard treatments. Studies reports a rapid and sustained symptom reduction, with few adverse effects.
Conclusions: Psilocybin could be an effective and safe alternative for treating depression, providing symptomatic relief with fewer treatment sessions and a favorable safety profile. However, further research is needed to overcome current limitations and fully understand its therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
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 |