A living systematic review, meta-analysis and open-data resource of randomized controlled trials of psilocybin treatment for symptoms of depression
S. Parker Singleton, Brooke L. Sevchik, Analiese Lahey, Pim Cuijpers, Mathias Harrer, Megan T. Jones, Sandeep M. Nayak, Eric C. Strain, Simon N. Vandekar, Robert H. Dworkin, J. Cobb Scott, Theodore D. Satterthwaite
Nature Mental Health May 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s44220-026-00630-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 801 |
| Population | Participants in randomized controlled trials of psilocybin treatment for depressive symptoms |
| Intervention | Psilocybin-assisted therapy |
| Topics | Depression Psilocybin |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin-assisted therapy resulted in a greater reduction in depression scores compared to control conditions, with a Hedges' g of −0.90. |
Abstract
This study presents a living systematic review and open-data meta-analytic database from 15 randomized controlled trials examining the effects of psilocybin treatment on depressive symptoms. Existing evidence suggests that psilocybin treatment alleviates depressive symptoms. Depression is a major cause of disability worldwide, motivating interest in psilocybin as a potential treatment. Here we present a living systematic review and open-data meta-analytic resource on psilocybin treatment for depressive symptoms. In this initial release, 15 randomized controlled trials comprising 801 participants are included in the database, with 12 of those studies included in our primary model ( n = 585) using inverse-variance random-effects modeling of standardized mean differences on primary outcomes. Compared with control conditions, psilocybin showed a greater reduction in depression scores (Hedges’ g = −0.90). This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy results in substantial decreases in depressive symptoms across studies to date. However, many studies have small sample sizes or risk of bias. This living systematic review, meta-analysis, database and online dashboard ( sypres.io ) will continue to be updated as evidence emerges, providing a valuable resource for researchers in a rapidly evolving field.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Psilocybin in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Weighing Rapid Antidepressant Effects Against Uncertain Durability Therapeutics October 19, 2026
- Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Psychiatry: A Narrative Clinical Review of Mechanisms, Therapeutic Applications, and Emerging Evidence (2025–2026) Journal of Clinical Medicine August 12, 2026
- Past-Year Psilocybin and Alcohol Co-Use: Associations With Mental Health Symptoms Journal of Drug Issues July 1, 2026
- Trials, trips, and tribulations: pathways for implementing psychedelic therapy in Ireland. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology June 2, 2026
- [The use of psychedelics in psychiatry]. Orvosi hetilap September 13, 2026
Cites 33
- 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
- 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
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
and 28 more in the library