Med (New York, N.Y.)
March 8, 2024
Joshua D Rosenblat, Shakila Meshkat, Zoe Doyle et al.
97 citations
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is feasible for patients with complex, treatment-resistant depression, including those with bipolar II disorder and baseline suicidality. In a randomized trial with 30 adults, those receiving immediate PAP showed greater reductions in depression severity (MADRS) compared to a waitlist control, with a large effect size (Hedge's g = 1.07). Adverse events were transient and no serious adverse events occurred. Repeated doses over six months were associated with further improvement. The findings suggest PAP can be safely delivered to this population and warrants further study.
Med (New York, N.Y.)
June 4, 2025
Felix Müller, Hannes Zaczek, Anna M Becker et al.
21 citations
In a double-blind, low-dose controlled trial, 61 patients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder received supportive psychotherapy and either two high doses (100 μg then 200 μg) or two low doses (25 μg each) of LSD. At the primary endpoint two weeks after the second session, the high-dose group showed a greater average reduction in self-rated depression scores (11.8 points) compared to the low-dose group (3.9 points), a difference that approached but did not reach statistical significance. Clinician-rated scores also favored the high dose, but significance was lost after adjusting for baseline depression severity. Improvements were numerically maintained through 12 weeks. Adverse events were similar between groups. The authors suggest these exploratory results warrant a larger phase 3 trial.
Med (New York, N.Y.)
January 13, 2023
Natalie Gukasyan
12 citations
A Phase II trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression showed modest effectiveness but also raised concerns about serious adverse effects. The findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating whether blinding in such trials is maintained, accounting for participant expectations, and investigating factors that may increase risk in vulnerable groups.
Med (New York, N.Y.)
September 8, 2023
Evelyn Attia, Joanna E Steinglass
7 citations
Current treatments for adults with anorexia nervosa have limited effectiveness. A small open trial by Peck and colleagues indicated that psilocybin is safe and tolerable for people with anorexia nervosa, suggesting a new direction for research into the brain mechanisms underlying the disorder.
Med (New York, N.Y.)
March 8, 2024
Scott T. Aaronson, Zofia Kozak
1 citation
A flexible dosing schedule of psilocybin is feasible for individuals with severely treatment-resistant depression, including those with co-morbid conditions or bipolar II disorder, potentially expanding who can receive this treatment. The trial by Rosenblat et al. demonstrates that such patients, previously excluded from studies, can safely participate, suggesting a broader application of psilocybin therapy for complex depression cases.