Serotonergic psychedelics for depression: A comprehensive overview.
International review of neurobiology January 1, 2025 A M Wingert, C Agnorelli, J Peill et al. 1 citation
Depressive disorders remain a major global challenge, especially with rising treatment-resistant cases. Recent research highlights the antidepressant potential of psilocybin and other 5-HT₂A receptor agonists for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Phase I and II clinical trials show that even a single administration can produce rapid and sustained symptom reduction, with effects comparable to conventional treatments like SSRIs and ketamine. Serotonergic psychedelics have a distinctive pharmacological profile and robust safety data, making them promising for patients unresponsive to standard therapies. However, integration into routine practice is hindered by the resource-intensive nature of psychedelic-assisted therapy, requiring specialized training and controlled settings. Some countries, including Australia, Switzerland, and Canada, have begun allowing psilocybin use for treatment-resistant depression.