Advancing treatment paradigms: the role of psilocybin in managing major depressive disorder.
Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) January 1, 2026 Sana Rasheed, Rida Arif, Ahmed Asad Raza et al. 1 citation
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, shows promise as a treatment for major depressive disorder, especially when traditional therapies fail. Evidence from clinical studies between 2014 and 2024 indicates that psilocybin acts on serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, enhancing neuroplasticity and brain connectivity to produce rapid and sustained symptom relief. However, its classification as a Schedule I substance in many countries and societal stigma have restricted research and use. Overcoming regulatory barriers, conducting larger and more diverse studies, and establishing long-term safety and efficacy data are critical for integrating psilocybin into mainstream mental health care.