Psychedelics for the Treatment of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: Efficacy and Proposed Mechanisms
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology November 29, 2024 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae057 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Open-label Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Obsessive–compulsive disorder Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Mental health psychiatry Psychological disorders Behavioral health |
| Citations | 18 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin significantly reduced OCD symptoms in a small open-label trial, and rodent models show reduced compulsive behaviors, but the mechanisms are unclear. |
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics are emerging as potential treatments for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, treatment-resistant depression, and substance use disorders. Recent studies have also suggested that the psychedelic psilocybin may be able to treat obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Since the 1960s, case studies have reported improvements to obsessive and compulsive behaviors in patients taking psychedelics recreationally. The effects of psilocybin were then systematically assessed in a small, open-label trial in 2006, which found that psilocybin significantly reduced the symptoms of OCD. Reduced compulsive behaviors have also been seen in rodent models of OCD after administration of psilocybin. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying the effects of psychedelics for OCD are unclear, with hypotheses including their acute pharmacological effects, changes in neuroplasticity and resting state neural networks, and their psychological effects. This review will evaluate the evidence supporting the theory that psychedelics can be used for the treatment of OCD, as well as the data regarding claims about their mechanisms. It will also discuss issues with the current evidence and the ongoing trials of psilocybin that aim to address these knowledge gaps.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- Single-dose (10 mg) psilocybin reduces symptoms in adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A pharmacological challenge study. Comprehensive Psychiatry July 1, 2025
- Emerging mechanisms of psilocybin-induced neuroplasticity TIPS - Trends in Pharmacological Sciences September 16, 2025
- Modification of natural tryptamines for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases Journal of Psychopharmacology October 4, 2025
- Premorbid characteristics of the SAPAP3 mouse model of obsessive-compulsive disorder: behavior, neuroplasticity, and psilocybin treatment The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology March 29, 2025
- The Research Deficit and Expert Disagreement Regarding Music Selection for Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science October 10, 2025
and 10 more in the library
Cites 91
- 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
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
and 86 more in the library