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 · 35 citations · publishing 2022-2026
In an open-label retrospective analysis of 35 Veterans with co-occurring depression and PTSD, repeated intranasal (S)-ketamine treatments over four weeks were associated with reductions in both depression and PTSD symptoms. Depression scores on the PHQ-9 fell by an average of 5.1 points, from 19.8 to 14.7, with 14% of patients showing a clinically meaningful response. PTSD scores on the PCL-5 dropped by an average of 15.5 points, from 54.8 to 39.3, with 46% showing a clinically meaningful response. Changes in depression and PTSD symptoms were only moderately correlated, and some individuals experienced PTSD improvement without antidepressant response, suggesting distinct mechanisms of action for the two conditions.
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.