Advancements in psychedelic research: Effects, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential as emerging antidepressants.
Xian-Qiang Zhang, De-Nong Liu, Qing-Shan Miao, Xu Cai, Lu-Xin Zong, Yu-Kun Hou, Jing Xiong
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior November 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2025.174099 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | 5-hydroxytryptamine Antidepressant effect Psychedelics |
| Key findings | Psychedelics hold significant promise as therapeutic agents for MDD. |
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) causes great physical and mental suffering to patients while also imposing a tremendous economic burden on the global economy. Psychedelics, also known as serotonergic hallucinogens, are potent psychoactive compounds known for their ability to alter mood, perception, and a range of cognitive functions. Increasing evidence suggests that some psychedelics positively facilitate individual social functions, with rapid and sustained improvement in symptoms associated with MDD. Consequently, the application of psychedelics in the treatment of MDD has garnered considerable attention from researchers in recent years. This review examines recent advancements in evaluating the behavioral and physiological effects of psychedelics in both preclinical animal models and clinical trials focused on MDD. Additionally, we summarize and discuss the cellular, brain region, and circuit-level mechanisms, as well as potential intracellular signaling pathways, that may contribute to the antidepressant effects of psychedelics. Based on current evidence, we conclude that psychedelics hold significant promise as therapeutic agents for MDD.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synaptic Dysfunction in Depression: Potential Therapeutic Targets | 2012 | Review | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse | 2003 | Review | |
| Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation Adults with treatment-resistant depression | 2021 | Review | |
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 83
- 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
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
and 78 more in the library