The experimental effects of psilocybin on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis
Simon B. Goldberg, Brian T. Pace, Christopher R. Nicholas, Charles L. Raison, Paul R. Hutson
Psychiatry Research January 2, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112749 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Randomized Placebo-controlled Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 117 |
| Population | People with elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression |
| Interventions | psilocybin behavioral interventions |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin Depression |
| Keywords | Placebo Meta-analysis Depression economics Randomized controlled trial Adverse effect Clinical psychology Psychological intervention Hallucinogen Alternative medicine |
| Citations | 234 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin combined with behavioral interventions produced large, statistically significant reductions in anxiety and depression compared to placebo, with no serious adverse events. |
Abstract
The current meta-analysis examined the effects of psilocybin in combination with behavioral interventions on anxiety and depression in samples with elevated symptoms. Across four studies (one uncontrolled; three randomized, placebo-controlled; N = 117), within-group pre-post and pre-follow-up effects on anxiety and depression were large (Hedges' gs=1.16 to 1.47) and statistically significant. Across three placebo-controlled studies, pre-post placebo-controlled effects were also large (gs = 0.82 to 0.83) and statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported. Limitations include the small number of studies and risk for bias within studies. Results tentatively support future research on psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on psilocybin for anxiety, most cited first.