Psilocybin reduces symptoms in treatment resistant depression, trial results show
G. Iacobucci
British medical journal November 2, 2022 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.o2623 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 233 |
| Population | Patients with treatment resistant depression |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Dose | 25 mg, 10 mg, or 1 mg (control) |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Topics | Depression Psilocybin |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | A single 25 mg dose of psilocybin reduced depression scores more than a 1 mg control dose over 12 weeks in patients with treatment-resistant depression. |
Abstract
single a Researchers investigated the effects of single doses of 25 mg, 10 mg, or 1 mg (control) psilocybin over 12 weeks in 233 patients with treatment resistant depression. They were given the treatment in specialised rooms designed to provide a non-clinical and calming atmosphere where a specially trained therapist was available to provide psychological support. The psychedelic effects of psilocybin last as long as eight hours, and once these had passed the participants were able to return home.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on psilocybin for depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Cancer patients with life-threatening diagnoses and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety | 2016 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 51 |
| Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression | 2016 | Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial | n = 29 |
| Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression Selected group of patients with depression | 2021 | Randomized controlled trial | |
| Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder Adults aged 21 to 75 years with major depressive disorder, not currently using... | 2020 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 24 |
| Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. Adults with treatment-resistant depression | 2022 | Phase 2 double-blind randomized controlled trial | n = 233 |