Classical psychedelics for the treatment of depression and anxiety: A systematic review.
Journal of affective disorders November 1, 2019 Silvia Muttoni, Maddalena Ardissino, Christopher John 265 citations
Depression and anxiety are common and disabling, yet existing treatments often fall short. A review of seven clinical trials involving 130 patients found that, when used in a supportive setting, the psychedelics ayahuasca, psilocybin, and LSD produced immediate and lasting reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms over several months. The treatments were well tolerated; the most common side effects were temporary anxiety, headaches, nausea, and mild increases in heart rate and blood pressure. The authors note that the number of studies and patients is small, but the evidence suggests psychedelic-assisted therapy is a promising alternative for patients who do not respond to standard care.