Psychedelics for Patients With Cancer: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Annals of Pharmacotherapy January 12, 2023 C Michael White, Nissen Weisman, Joseph Dalo 18 citations
Psychedelics may reduce anxiety and depression in patients with cancer, based on five randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Two trials showed significant reductions in anxiety on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and one trial found reductions on two additional anxiety scales. Two trials reported significant reductions in depression on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Beck Depression Inventory, and one trial found reductions on another depression scale. Clinically relevant improvements were more common in psychedelic-treated patients than placebo. Benefits may last 6 to 12 months, but studies were small, had methodological limitations, and included increased blood pressure and heart rate.