Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Sipan Haikazian, David C J Chen-Li, Danica E Johnson, Farhan Fancy, Anastasia Levinta, M Ishrat Husain, Rodrigo B Mansur, Roger S McIntyre, Joshua D Rosenblat
Psychiatry research November 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115531 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies (686 participants) found that psilocybin therapy produced a large reduction in depressive symptoms compared to control conditions, with a standardized mean difference of -0.78. Response and remission rates were also significantly higher with psilocybin. Open-label trials showed robust decreases in depression after psilocybin administration. The findings suggest antidepressant efficacy for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, but the authors note that further studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy and to optimize treatment protocols.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Open-label Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 686 |
| Population | Patients diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses or major depressive disorder |
| Intervention | Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy |
| Topics | Depression Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Life-threatening cancer Mood disorders Psychedelics hallucinogens |
| Citations | 121 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin therapy produced a large and significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to control conditions. |
Abstract
The aim of this review was to determine the effect of psilocybin on depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses or major depressive disorder. Systematic searches were conducted to search for randomized clinical trials and open-label trials that evaluated depression symptoms after psilocybin therapy. Data was pooled using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was the standardized mean difference (SMD) in depression severity, determined by calculating the change in depression ratings from baseline to the primary endpoint in the psilocybin arm versus the control arm. The literature search yielded 1734 studies, and 13 studies (n = 686) were included in either qualitative and/or quantitative analyses. The meta-analysis included 9 studies (pooled n = 596) and yielded a large effect size in favour of psilocybin (SMD = -0.78; p<0.001). Risk ratios for response and remission were large and significant in favour of psilocybin. A review of open-label trials showed robust decreases in depressive symptoms following psilocybin administration. These findings provide preliminary evidence for antidepressant efficacy with psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, however, further studies are needed to evaluate safety and efficacy and to optimize treatment protocols.