Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression
New England Journal of Medicine – April 14, 2021
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, appears to offer antidepressant effects comparable to Escitalopram for individuals navigating depression. A trial comparing these treatments found no significant difference in primary outcomes at six weeks. While secondary measures in Psychology and Psychiatry generally favored Psilocybin, a compound from chemical synthesis and alkaloids influencing neurotransmitter receptors, these require further validation. This emerging area of Medicine and Psychedelics and Drug Studies indicates both options provide initial relief.
Abstract
On the basis of the change in depression scores on the QIDS-SR-16 at week 6, this trial did not show a significant difference in antidepressant effects between psilocybin and escitalopram in a selected group of patients. Secondary outcomes generally favored psilocybin over escitalopram, but the analyses of these outcomes lacked correction for multiple comparisons. Larger and longer trials are required to compare psilocybin with established antidepressants. (Funded by the Alexander Mosley Charitable Trust and Imperial College London's Centre for Psychedelic Research; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03429075.).