Reappraisal of the hype and hope offered by psilocybin treatment of depression

Psilocybin treatment for depression shows early promise, but expectation bias and functional unblinding likely influence positive results. Side effects are often not systematically reported, and some recipients may experience harm. Compared to ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, the evidence for psilocybin is weaker; ketamine has stronger support in treatment-resistant groups. The authors conclude that current evidence does not justify wider availability or use of psilocybin for depression.

Study at a glance

Abstract

aim: To provide a balanced account of psilocybin treatment of depression for expectations to be appropriately set. method: Review and discussion of key psilocybin efficacy studies. Reporting of side effects and risk of harm with psychedelic treatments. Comparisons and contrasts with ketamine studies of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). result: Early psilocybin studies offer promise but expectation bias and functional unblinding are factors in the treatment response. Psilocybin is generally well tolerated but side effects are often not systematically reported, and some recipients may experience harm. The ketamine research has similar methodological considerations, but the weight of positive evidence is stronger for a treatmentresistant group. conclusion: The evidence for psilocybin treatment of depression is insufficient to press for wider availability and use.