P.0729 Highlights of psychedelic history and current research on psilocybin application for treatment of depression – a comprehensive literature review
European Neuropsychopharmacology December 1, 2021 S. Penedos, C. Ramos, M. Miguel et al. 1 citation
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound that mimics serotonin by binding to 5-HT2A receptors, shows preliminary promise for treating depression. Neuroimaging indicates it reduces default mode network activity while increasing connectivity across brain regions. Since 2011, five clinical studies involving 139 patients have reported 60% of participants experiencing significant symptom reduction (ranging from 58% to 83%), though these studies are limited by small samples and methodological variability. One recent trial found no significant difference in antidepressant effects between psilocybin and the conventional drug escitalopram. Over 50 further studies are registered, including a phase 2 multicenter trial for treatment-resistant depression. Rigorous future research is needed.