UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America.
2 papers in the library · 1 citation · publishing 2018-2026
Ibogaine, a compound from the African shrub Tabernathe iboga, has been used for centuries in West African rituals and has shown potential for treating addiction and depression. Human trials indicate it can rapidly relieve acute withdrawal symptoms, but results vary on long-term abstinence and toxicity. Multiple treatments may lead to considerable abstinence, but the drug carries a risk of lethal heart arrhythmias due to QT prolongation.
Pairing psilocybin with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is acceptable, feasible, and associated with substantial improvements in major depressive disorder. In a small open-label trial, 16 adults with at least moderately severe depression received two psilocybin doses (10 mg and 25 mg) and 12 CBT sessions over four months. All participants completed the 7-month study with no serious adverse events. By treatment end, 13 of 16 showed at least 25% improvement in depressive symptoms, and 9 had fully remitted. Gains in depressive symptoms and psychosocial functioning were sustained three months later, with large effect sizes (Hedges' g = 1.9–2.7). Improvements correlated with better emotion regulation and more positive cognitive schemas.