The experimental effects of psilocybin on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis
Psychiatry Research January 2, 2020 Simon B. Goldberg, Brian T. Pace, Christopher R. Nicholas et al. 234 citations
A meta-analysis of four studies (three randomized, placebo-controlled; one uncontrolled) with 117 participants found that psilocybin combined with behavioral interventions produced large reductions in anxiety and depression among people with elevated symptoms. Within-group effects from before treatment to after treatment and at follow-up were large (Hedges' g = 1.16 to 1.47) and statistically significant. Across the placebo-controlled studies, the pre-post effects compared to placebo were also large (g = 0.82 to 0.83) and statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported. The results tentatively support further research on psilocybin for anxiety and depression, though the small number of studies and potential bias limit confidence.