The Effects of Psilocybin in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder and the General Population: Findings from Neuroimaging Studies
Hartej Gill, Parnian Puramat, Pankti Patel, Barjot Gill, CéAnn A. Marks, Nelson B Rodrigues, David Castle, Danielle S. Cha, Rodrigo B. Mansur, Joshua D. Rosenblat, Roger S McIntyre
Psychiatry Research April 25, 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114577 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Participants with major depressive disorder and healthy populations |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Depression Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Clinical psychology Population Psycinfo Amygdala Functional neuroimaging Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex Cognition Medline |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin administration decreased amygdala activity and reduced depressive symptoms in MDD participants, and altered functional connectivity in prefrontal limbic structures in healthy populations. |
Abstract
The use of psilocybin as treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) has been examined as a promising alternative to traditional first-line options. We reviewed existing literature to provide a synthesis of the extant neuroimaging observations with psilocybin, and to identify putative therapeutic targets for target engagement studies with psilocybin, and potentially other psychedelics. We assessed neuroimaging observations with psilocybin among participants with MDD and healthy populations. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar and PsycINFO from database inception to November 17th, 2021. The study quality (i.e., risk of bias) was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. A total of ten studies evaluated psilocybin in healthy populations and three studies assessed psilocybin in MDD participants using neuroimaging techniques. Following psilocybin administration, a decrease in amygdala activity and a reduction in depressive symptoms was observed in two studies. Changes in functional connectivity and activation of prefrontal limbic structures, specifically the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala, was seen in healthy populations. There was high heterogeneity in methodology (e.g., dosing schedule and imaging methods) amongst included studies. Longitudinal studies are needed to further elucidate psilocybin treatment for MDD, its long-term effects and the possibility of sustained therapeutic effects.
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 11
- Serotonin 2A Receptor (5-HT2AR) Agonists: Psychedelics and Non-Hallucinogenic Analogues as Emerging Antidepressants Chemical Reviews November 30, 2023
- New and emerging treatments for major depressive disorder. BMJ July 8, 2024
- Is the psychedelic experience an essential aspect of the therapeutic effect of serotonergic psychedelics? Conceptual, discovery, development and implementation implications for psilocybin and related agents Expert Opinion on Drug Safety August 28, 2023
- The revival of psilocybin between scientific excitement, evidence of efficacy, and real-world challenges. CNS Spectrums December 1, 2024
- The effects of psilocybin on cognition and emotional processing in healthy adults and adults with depression: a systematic literature review Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology May 27, 2024
and 6 more in the library
Cites 32
- 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
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Ketamine and Ketamine Metabolite Pharmacology: Insights into Therapeutic Mechanisms Pharmacological Reviews June 26, 2018
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
and 27 more in the library