The experimental effects of psilocybin on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis
Simon B. Goldberg, Brian T. Pace, Christopher R. Nicholas, Charles L. Raison, Paul R. Hutson
Psychiatry Research January 2, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112749 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA meta-analysis of four studies (three randomized, placebo-controlled; one uncontrolled) with 117 participants found that psilocybin combined with behavioral interventions produced large reductions in anxiety and depression among people with elevated symptoms. Within-group effects from before treatment to after treatment and at follow-up were large (Hedges' g = 1.16 to 1.47) and statistically significant. Across the placebo-controlled studies, the pre-post effects compared to placebo were also large (g = 0.82 to 0.83) and statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported. The results tentatively support further research on psilocybin for anxiety and depression, though the small number of studies and potential bias limit confidence.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Randomized Placebo-controlled Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 117 |
| Population | People with elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression |
| Interventions | psilocybin behavioral interventions |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Placebo Meta-analysis Depression economics |
| Citations | 234 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin combined with behavioral interventions produced large, statistically significant reductions in anxiety and depression compared to placebo, with no serious adverse events. |
Abstract
The current meta-analysis examined the effects of psilocybin in combination with behavioral interventions on anxiety and depression in samples with elevated symptoms. Across four studies (one uncontrolled; three randomized, placebo-controlled; N = 117), within-group pre-post and pre-follow-up effects on anxiety and depression were large (Hedges' gs=1.16 to 1.47) and statistically significant. Across three placebo-controlled studies, pre-post placebo-controlled effects were also large (gs = 0.82 to 0.83) and statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported. Limitations include the small number of studies and risk for bias within studies. Results tentatively support future research on psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and depression.