Psychedelic interventions for major depressive disorder in the elderly: Exploring novel therapies, promise and potential.
Ivona-Maria Tudorancea, Gabriela-Dumitrita Stanciu, Carla Torrent, Santiago Madero, Lucian Hritcu, Bogdan-Ionel Tamba
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience December 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/19585969.2025.2499458 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy Depression |
| Keywords | Age-related comorbidities Ageing and depression Mental health care Psychological health Behavioral health Hallucinogenic therapy Psychedelic medicine Elderly depression Senior mental |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Psychedelics show promise as a treatment for major depressive disorder in older adults, where traditional therapies often fail. |
Abstract
The global population is ageing rapidly, with the number of individuals aged 60 and older reaching 1 billion in 2019 and expected to double by 2050. As people age, neuropsychological health often deteriorates, leading to a higher prevalence of age-related depression. Symptoms may include anxiety, apathy, mood instability, sadness, and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. Depression in the elderly is a widespread concern, and conventional treatments such as antidepressants are often limited by side effects, reduced efficacy, and complications arising from polypharmacy. In response, novel therapeutic approaches are being explored, including psychedelic interventions. Recent clinical and preclinical studies suggest that psychedelics could offer a promising treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in older adults. These compounds, known for their profound neurobiological effects, have gained attention for their potential to address depression where traditional therapies fall short. This review aims to examine the therapeutic promise of psychedelic substances, focusing on those that show potential for treating MDD in the elderly. We also explore the underlying mechanisms through which psychedelics may exert their effects and highlight the preclinical models that support their use. Finally, we address safety considerations and propose strategies to enhance the effectiveness and safety of psychedelics in future clinical trials, offering new hope for treating age-related depressive disorders.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synaptic Dysfunction in Depression: Potential Therapeutic Targets | 2012 | Review | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse | 2003 | Review | |
| Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation Adults with treatment-resistant depression | 2021 | Review | |
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Psilocybin in late-life mental health: Addressing depression, loneliness, and existential anxiety General Hospital Psychiatry December 9, 2025
- Neuroplasticity and Neuro-Generation: The Promise of Psychedelics in Dementia Care Psychoactives September 2, 2025
- Use of Psychedelic Agents in Older Adults with Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder: What the Evidence Shows. Drugs Aging June 24, 2025
- Molecular Diagnostics, Circuit-Calming Modulators, and Controlled Neuroplastogens: Emerging Strategies in Precision Neuropsychiatric Therapeutics ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters December 16, 2025
Cites 38
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled trial Psychological Medicine June 15, 2018
- Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms. Scientific Reports October 13, 2017
and 33 more in the library