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When both treatments unblinded, psychedelics not more effective than antidepressants

The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update May 29, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/pu.31464 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed
Sample size 24
Population Trials of psychedelics and antidepressants for depression
Topics Psilocybin
Keywords Antidepressant Depression economics Clinical trial Psychotherapist
Key findings When both psychedelic and antidepressant trials for depression are unblinded, psychedelics are no more effective than open-label antidepressants.

Abstract

A systematic review and meta‐analysis comprising 24 trials has concluded that when both psychedelic and antidepressant trials in the treatment of depression are unblinded, psychedelics are no more effective than open‐label antidepressants. The findings call into question some optimistic projections about the efficacy of psychedelics in depression treatment.

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