Psilocybin for Depression: From Credibility to Feasibility, What’s Missing?
Pharmaceuticals December 31, 2022 Antonio Munafò, Davide Arillotta, Guido Mannaioni et al. 15 citations
Psilocybin shows promise as a transdiagnostic treatment for psychiatric disorders, with recent evidence indicating that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can provide significant and lasting relief from depressive symptoms. However, existing studies have limitations including small sample sizes, inadequate blinding, short follow-up periods, and highly selected treatment populations. Additional concerns involve practitioner experience, lack of standardized protocols, the legal status of psychedelics, ethical issues, and potential adverse psychological or medical effects. The authors suggest that newer evidence, more precise protocols, and policy changes may clarify psilocybin's therapeutic potential.