Efficacy and acceptability of psilocybin for primary or secondary depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Frontiers in Psychiatry February 15, 2024 Shuping Fang, Xin Yang, Wei Zhang 21 citations
Psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, shows both short-term and long-term antidepressant effects for major depressive disorder and depression related to life-threatening diagnoses. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials, including 524 adult patients, found a large effect size favoring psilocybin over control conditions. Therapeutic effects increase with higher doses. Adverse events are generally temporary and reversible, though serious events can occur. Psilocybin holds promise as a complementary or alternative therapy for depression.