Journal of Medical and Biosciences Research.
May 30, 2026
Mickail Ivo Souza, Samuel Cândido Freres, Bruna Aparecida Alves Villafranca et al.
Psychedelics such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca show promising results for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance dependence, especially when combined with supervised psychotherapy. They appear to work through neurobiological mechanisms involving neuroplasticity, brain connectivity, and emotional processing. However, significant challenges remain regarding safety, regulation, patients' psychological vulnerability, and the need for rigorous clinical protocols. The review concludes that psychedelics represent an innovative and potentially transformative perspective in contemporary psychiatry, though more robust studies are needed to consolidate their efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
May 29, 2026
Alex Hood, Gary Elkins
A systematic review of 25 studies found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) produces a large reduction in anxiety symptoms within groups (Hedge's g = 0.96) and a small reduction compared to control groups (Hedge's g = 0.48). However, the studies varied widely in psychotherapy format, dosing, session structure, and outcome timing, and high heterogeneity persisted even after accounting for these differences. The authors conclude that PAP shows promise for treating anxiety across different diagnoses but caution that variability in study quality, design, sample representativeness, and high heterogeneity limit confidence in the findings. More rigorous trials with diverse populations are needed.
The British Journal of Psychiatry
May 28, 2026
Peter M. Haddad
Anxiety disorders are common and disabling. Current medications have limited effectiveness, notable side effects, and little innovation. This editorial reviews past, current, and emerging anxiolytic treatments, including psychedelic-assisted therapies, and highlights key themes. There remains a major need for improved medications to reduce disability and improve quality of life.
PsyArXiv
May 24, 2026
preprint
Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin and DOI show anxiolytic-like effects in animal models, though anxiogenic and null results also occur, indicating context-dependent outcomes influenced by dosage, administration pattern, biological variables, and experimental conditions. A systematic review of 18 preclinical studies found generally acceptable predictive and face validity in behavioral tests, but construct validity had limitations and inconsistencies in experimental conditions need standardization. Psilocybin produced consistent anxiolytic-like effects, possibly through 5-HT2A receptor agonism, suggesting therapeutic potential for anxiety. Future research should focus on mechanisms, sex-specific effects, and improved behavioral test combinations.
PsyArXiv
May 14, 2026
preprint
A double-blind randomized controlled trial will test whether low doses of psilocybin, given alongside virtual reality exposure therapy, can reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder. The protocol describes the planned methods but does not yet report results.
Supportive Care in Cancer
May 1, 2026
A. Wech, A. Akroyd, C. Clayden et al.
Advanced cancer patients and their carers are open to psychedelic-assisted therapies for existential distress, provided risks are carefully managed. In interviews with 15 participants, most expressed positive views, recognizing that with few available options and often poor quality of life, any intervention offering potential benefit was worthwhile. Acceptance was tempered by concerns about safety and a desire to minimize risk. The findings show that patient and carer perspectives should be included in developing these therapies.