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The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin for Depression

Tessa Watford

2024 DOI: 10.33548/scientia1082 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Systematic review
Topics Depression Psilocybin
Key findings Psilocybin shows therapeutic potential as an alternative treatment for depression.

Abstract

Depression is a debilitating mental health condition affecting millions worldwide. While antidepressant medications are widely prescribed, they often come with significant side effects and limited efficacy. Tessa Watford, a researcher in the field of neuroscience, has conducted a systematic review exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, for the treatment of depression. Her work sheds light on a promising alternative approach that could revolutionise the way we treat this prevalent mental health disorder.

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

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