The development of psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression: an update
BJPsych Bulletin June 26, 2023 Anya Borissova, James J. Rucker 16 citations
Psilocybin, a classic psychedelic drug, has gained research interest as a possible treatment for mood and anxiety conditions. Initial phase 2 trials of psilocybin with psychological support for major depression and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) showed basic safety, confirmed by a large healthy-volunteer study. The first international multi-centre randomized controlled trial in 2022 found signs of efficacy for a 25 mg dose in people with TRD compared to an active placebo. Phase 3 trials in TRD are scheduled for 2023. Early evidence suggests single doses with psychological support induce rapid improvement in depressive symptoms lasting weeks.