Psilocybin reduces symptoms in treatment resistant depression, trial results show
British medical journal November 2, 2022 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1136/bmj.o2623 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
In patients with treatment resistant depression, single doses of 25 mg or 10 mg psilocybin, given in a supportive setting with a trained therapist, led to greater reductions in depressive symptoms over 12 weeks compared to a 1 mg control dose. The 25 mg dose showed the largest improvement. The psychedelic effects lasted up to eight hours, after which participants went home.
Study at a glance
| Design | randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 233 |
| Population | patients with treatment resistant depression |
| Key finding | Single doses of 25 mg or 10 mg psilocybin reduced depressive symptoms more than a 1 mg control dose over 12 weeks, with the 25 mg dose showing the greatest effect. |
Abstract
single a Researchers investigated the effects of single doses of 25 mg, 10 mg, or 1 mg (control) psilocybin over 12 weeks in 233 patients with treatment resistant depression. They were given the treatment in specialised rooms designed to provide a non-clinical and calming atmosphere where a specially trained therapist was available to provide psychological support. The psychedelic effects of psilocybin last as long as eight hours, and once these had passed the participants were able to return home.