Journal of affective disorders
March 1, 2025
Guy M Goodwin, Scott T Aaronson, Oscar Alvarez et al.
35 citations
In treatment-resistant depression, a single dose of 25 mg of psilocybin produced stronger correlations between certain psychedelic experiences and depression improvement three weeks later than lower doses. The intensity of psychedelic effects was dose-related, but scores for different doses overlapped considerably. At the 25 mg dose, dimensions of oceanic boundlessness and visual restructuralization, along with emotional breakthrough, showed the strongest correlations with reduced depression scores. The study does not establish causation and requires replication. The overlap in experience intensity across doses suggests unblinding to dose is less likely. Correlations between psychedelic experience and outcome indicate specificity in psilocybin's mechanism of action.
Journal of affective disorders
February 15, 2023
Priel Meir, Leslie Taylor, Jair C Soares et al.
25 citations
Most psychologists are willing to inform eligible patients about psilocybin-assisted therapy if it becomes FDA-approved, but over 90% would still recommend non-psilocybin psychotherapies first. Among 119 surveyed psychologists, 77.4% agreed they would inform patients about PAT, yet 91.6% would prioritize other therapies. Three-quarters endorsed that more knowledge about psilocybin would increase their likelihood of informing patients. Greater openness to engaging patients with PAT was associated with more positive attitudes and beliefs about psilocybin, greater self-reported knowledge, personal psychedelic use, and positive attitudes toward medical cannabis. Attitudes toward medical cannabis and beliefs about psilocybin were the only significant predictors of openness in regression analysis.
Journal of affective disorders
March 15, 2025
Thomas D Meyer, Maya Ibrahim, Lauren N Vale et al.
6 citations
People with bipolar disorder have been excluded from most psychedelic research due to concerns about triggering mania or psychosis. This study used the Timeline Followback method to assess mood symptoms, substance use, and mental health in individuals with bipolar disorder one month before and three months after their most recent recreational psychedelic experience. Depressive symptoms and cannabis use significantly decreased, and the number of days without mental health symptoms increased. There were no significant changes in manic, psychotic, or anxiety symptoms. The findings suggest psychedelics may be safe and potentially beneficial for bipolar disorder, but randomized controlled trials are needed.
Journal of affective disorders
February 1, 2026
Lauren N Vale, Maya Ibrahim, Leonardo Fávaro-pereira et al.
1 citation
People with bipolar disorder who have used classic psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD hold more positive attitudes toward these substances and score higher on openness to experience compared to those who are only considering use. The two groups do not differ in sociodemographic background or mental health status. Those who have used psychedelics endorse certain motives for use more strongly, while those contemplating use express greater concerns about potential negative effects. The findings suggest that prior psychedelic experience shapes perceptions and motivations, and highlight topics for discussion with individuals with bipolar disorder who may consider psychedelic use, including in clinical trials.
BMJ open
July 13, 2026
Thomas D Meyer, Lauren N Vale, Maya Ibrahim et al.
A protocol describes an upcoming feasibility study testing psilocybin-assisted therapy in 10 outpatients with bipolar II disorder who have mild to moderate passive suicidal thoughts. Participants may receive two oral doses of 25 mg psilocybin about four weeks apart, combined with a structured mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy protocol. The study aims to assess the acceptability and safety of this approach, measuring changes in suicidality and depressive symptoms, and to gather preliminary data for a future randomized trial. Individuals with bipolar disorder and suicidality have typically been excluded from psilocybin trials due to safety concerns.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
February 5, 2026
Benjamin R Lewis, Matthew J Reid, Andrew M Novick et al.
Clinical trials of classical psychedelics like psilocybin for mental health conditions face unique challenges that may persist if these treatments enter clinical practice. Four categories of challenges with trial participants are identified: treatment nonresponse, expectancy effects and functional unblinding, post-session psychological difficulties, and contagion effects. Management strategies for study teams to mitigate these risks are described. The National Network of Depression Centers and similar organizations can guide best practices to responsibly advance this promising field.