Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Psilocybin and Dimethyltryptamine in Depression Treatment: A Systematic Review

Depression remains a clinical challenge despite many available treatments. Recently, formerly illicit substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) have drawn scientific interest. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library, identifying 10 relevant papers. Most selected studies showed a significant correlation between psilocybin and DMT use and reduction in depression symptom intensity. The authors conclude that psilocybin and DMT could be useful in depression treatment, but further observations are still required.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Despite many different kinds of substances available for depression treatment, depression itself still appears to be a clinical challenge. Recently, formerly illicit substances came to scientists’ attention, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Some studies suggest that these substances might be effective in depression treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of LSD, psilocybin and DMT in depression treatment in the light of current medical literature. The authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for this systematic review. The authors searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant publications. Finally, 10 papers were included. Most of the selected studies showed significant correlation between psilocybin and DMT use and reduction in depression symptom intensity. By analyzing qualified studies, it can be concluded that psilocybin and DMT could be useful in depression treatment, but further observations are still required.