On blinding and suicide risk in a recent trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
Med (New York, N.Y.) January 13, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.12.003
Summary
Recent findings on psychedelic therapy for depression reveal both promise and caution. While psilocybin treatment showed modest benefits for some patients with hard-to-treat depression, researchers identified important safety considerations. The inability to fully "blind" participants (they often knew if they received the active drug) and rare but serious adverse effects highlight the need for careful screening and monitoring of vulnerable individuals during psychedelic treatments.
Abstract
Results from a recent Phase II trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression1 suggest modest efficacy but raise concerns about potential for serious adverse effects. The study highlights the need for rigorous assessment of blinding integrity, expectancy, and further study of factors that may contribute to risk in vulnerable populations.