Trajectory of Antidepressant Effects after Single- or Two-Dose Administration of Psilocybin: A Systematic Review and Multivariate Meta-Analysis
Journal of Clinical Medicine February 11, 2022 Chia‐ling Yu, Chih‐sung Liang, Fu‐chi Yang et al. 37 citations
A meta-analysis of ten studies found that one or two doses of psilocybin produce rapid and sustained antidepressant effects lasting up to six months. Depressive symptoms decreased substantially, with the largest effect at one week (standardized mean difference -1.74) and a still-large effect at six months (-1.12). Higher doses and two sessions were linked to greater improvement. Psilocybin raised systolic blood pressure by 19.00 mmHg and diastolic by 8.66 mmHg, but discontinuation rates and heart rate changes were similar to placebo. The findings suggest psilocybin has favorable cardiovascular safety and acceptability for treating depression.