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Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Sipan Haikazian1, David C J Chen-Li1, Danica E Johnson1
1Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Depression Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Psychiatry Research
|October 16, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy shows significant antidepressant effects in patients with severe depression or life-threatening illnesses. This review suggests psilocybin
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) and depression in patients with life-threatening illnesses represent significant unmet medical needs.
- Current treatments for depression have limitations in efficacy and tolerability for some patients.
- Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, has garnered interest for its potential rapid-acting antidepressant properties.
Approach:
- A systematic literature search identified randomized clinical trials and open-label trials evaluating psilocybin therapy for depression.
- Data from 13 studies (n=686) were included for qualitative and/or quantitative analyses.
- A meta-analysis of 9 studies (pooled n=596) used a random-effects model to determine the effect size (SMD) of psilocybin on depression severity.
Key Points:
- The meta-analysis revealed a large and statistically significant antidepressant effect of psilocybin (SMD = -0.78; p<0.001).
- Psilocybin therapy was associated with significantly higher rates of response and remission compared to control conditions.
- Open-label trials consistently demonstrated substantial reductions in depressive symptoms following psilocybin administration.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence supports the antidepressant efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for patients with MDD and those facing life-threatening illnesses.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the safety profile and optimize treatment protocols for psilocybin-based therapies.
- Psilocybin represents a promising novel therapeutic avenue for treatment-resistant depression and existential distress.
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