Psilocybin as a New Approach to Treat Depression and Anxiety in the Context of Life-Threatening Diseases—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Biomedicines September 5, 2020 Ana Sofia Vargas, Ângelo Luís, Mário Barroso et al. 121 citations
A systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials found that psilocybin significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening diseases. Analyzing data from 92 patients, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in depression scores on the Beck Depression Inventory and in both trait and state anxiety scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The results suggest psilocybin may be effective for conditions resistant to standard treatments or where pharmacotherapy is not yet approved, and it may also have potential as a first-line treatment given its safety profile.