The effects of psilocybin on psychological distress in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Reza Moshfeghinia, Sara Mostafavi, Kimia Jazi, Amir Reza Ghasemi, Yasamin Khosravaninezhad, Santhosshi Narayanan, Jamshid Ahmadi, Mehdi Pasalar
BMC Psychology January 2, 2026 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-03935-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Cancer patients |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Psychological distress Cancer Depression economics Clinical trial Psychological therapy Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Psychological research Depressive symptoms Medline Emotional distress Quality philosophy |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin may reduce depressive symptoms in cancer patients, with mixed effects on anxiety and time-dependent improvements in spiritual well-being and quality of life, but findings are preliminary due to small number of studies, high heterogeneity, and challenges with blinding and co-intervention with psychotherapy. |
Abstract
Psilocybin may reduce depressive symptoms in cancer patients, with mixed effects on anxiety and time-dependent improvements in spiritual well-being and (in single-arm data) quality of life. Given the small number of studies, high heterogeneity, challenges with blinding/expectancy, and frequent co-intervention with psychotherapy, these findings are preliminary. Larger, rigorously blinded trials are needed to determine clinical effectiveness and safety.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin for anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents Animal models and cellular studies | 2018 | Review | |
| Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential | 2016 | Review | |
| Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine | 2017 | Review | |
| A review of emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses | 2020 | Review | |
| Psychedelics and health behaviour change | 2021 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Psychedelic-Assisted Interventions in Palliative Care: A Narrative Overview and Critical Evaluation. Healthcare June 2, 2026
- PSILOCYBIN AS AN ADJUNCTIVE TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN ONCOLOGY: CURRENT EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science March 19, 2026
Cites 54
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. New England Journal of Medicine November 3, 2022
and 49 more in the library