Lancet Psychiatry
May 17, 2016
Robin L Carhart-Harris, Mark Bolstridge, James Rucker et al.
1,546 citations
In an open-label trial, 12 patients with moderate-to-severe treatment-resistant depression received two doses of psilocybin (10 mg and 25 mg, one week apart) in a supportive setting. The psychedelic effects peaked 2-3 hours after dosing and subsided within 6 hours. No serious adverse events occurred; transient anxiety, confusion, nausea, and headache were noted. Depressive symptoms, measured with the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms, were markedly reduced one week after the high dose (mean reduction of 11.8 points) and remained lower at three months (mean reduction of 9.2 points). Improvements in anxiety and anhedonia were also observed. The results provide preliminary support for psilocybin's safety and efficacy in treatment-resistant depression, warranting further controlled trials.
Lancet Psychiatry
May 1, 2018
Michael C Mithoefer, Ann T Mithoefer, Allison A Feduccia et al.
443 citations
A randomized, double-blind, phase 2 clinical trial tested MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers. Participants were randomly assigned to receive different doses of MDMA during psychotherapy sessions. The findings revealed that the active dose of MDMA led to significant and lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms compared to the lower dose, indicating that this innovative therapeutic approach can effectively treat this condition and provide significant relief for individuals with profound trauma.
Lancet Psychiatry
April 5, 2016
Michael C Mithoefer, Charles S Grob, Timothy D Brewerton
237 citations
Psilocybin and MDMA, known for their illegal use as psychedelic drugs, are showing promise as therapeutics in a resurgence of clinical research over the past 10 years. Psilocybin is being tested for alcoholism, smoking cessation, and anxiety in patients with advanced cancer. MDMA shows encouraging results as a treatment for refractory post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety in autistic adults, and anxiety associated with a life-threatening illness. Both drugs are studied as adjuncts or catalysts to psychotherapy, not as stand-alone treatments. This model offers a possible alternative to existing pharmacological and psychological treatments, though further research is needed.
Lancet Psychiatry
April 5, 2017
Ilina Singh, Celia Morgan, Valerie Curran et al.
158 citations
Based on current evidence, off-label ketamine use for severe, treatment-resistant depression does not violate ethical principles, but clinicians and professional bodies must establish guidelines for good practice, register all trial data, and continuously monitor risks. The analysis reviews evidence for ketamine's antidepressant effects and safety profile, concluding with recommendations for oversight bodies to support safe, effective, and ethical treatment.
Lancet Psychiatry
October 1, 2020
Brian T Anderson, Alicia L Danforth, Charles S Grob
99 citations
The text discusses safety and ethical concerns surrounding psychedelic medicine, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight, comprehensive patient screening, robust therapeutic support, and informed consent to mitigate risks such as psychological distress and misuse. It highlights the ethical imperative for equitable access and responsible medical use as these powerful medicines are integrated into clinical practice.
Lancet Psychiatry
September 1, 2016
Robin L Carhart-Harris, David J Nutt
1 citation
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