Journal of Psychopharmacology
January 9, 2020
Gabrielle Agin-Liebes, Tara C. Malone, Matthew M. Yalch et al.
353 citations
A long-term follow-up of a randomized trial found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy produced lasting reductions in anxiety, depression, hopelessness, demoralization, and death anxiety in people with cancer-related psychiatric distress. At an average of 3.2 and 4.5 years after psilocybin administration, 60–80% of participants still showed clinically significant antidepressant or anxiolytic responses. Most participants (71–100%) attributed positive life changes to the therapy and rated it among the most personally meaningful and spiritually significant experiences of their lives. The study's conclusions are limited by the crossover design of the original trial, but the results suggest psilocybin-assisted therapy may promote long-term relief from cancer-related distress.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
December 1, 2018
Marcela Ot'Alora G, Jim Grigsby, Bruce Poulter et al.
232 citations
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy reduces posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms more than a low dose, with effects lasting at least 12 months. In a double-blind trial, 28 people with chronic PTSD received either 100 mg, 125 mg, or 40 mg of MDMA during psychotherapy sessions. The active dose groups showed larger reductions in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale scores one month after two sessions, with mean changes of -26.3 for 125 mg, -24.4 for 100 mg, and -11.5 for 40 mg. At 12-month follow-up, 76% no longer met PTSD criteria. No serious adverse events occurred, and the treatment was well-tolerated.
Am J Psychiatry
January 1, 2025
Kelley C. O’donnell, Jim Grigsby, Charles S. Grob
9 citations
A comprehensive review argues that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research should expand beyond clinical efficacy to include potential harms, diverse patient experiences, and ethical integration. The authors advocate for a balanced approach that examines both therapeutic benefits and risks, emphasizing humility in interpreting findings. They call for broader investigation into how context, patient diversity, and responsible integration shape outcomes, rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction. The review highlights the need to address challenges such as adverse effects, cultural appropriation, and equitable access to ensure the full impact of these treatments is understood.