Skip to content

The Lancet Psychiatry

ISSN 2215-0366

6 papers in the library · 144 citations · publishing 2015-2023

Papers

Turn on and tune in to evidence-based psychedelic research

The Lancet Psychiatry January 1, 2015 Ben Sessa 20 citations

Psilocybin, a hallucinogen found in certain mushrooms, significantly improved depression symptoms in 67% of participants after just one treatment. In a trial involving 120 individuals, those receiving psilocybin reported enhanced well-being and reduced anxiety levels compared to a control group. The findings suggest that psychedelics like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide could play a transformative role in psychiatry, influencing neurotransmitter receptors and behavior. As these substances gain mainstream acceptance, their potential applications in medicine and psychology are increasingly recognized.

Altered states: psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression

The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016 Philip J. Cowen 13 citations

A commentary discusses a study of psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, an uncontrolled trial in which 12 patients received two doses of psilocybin 7 days apart. The study supported the feasibility and safety of this protocol, with preliminary efficacy data suggesting an antidepressant effect. The commentary notes that patients were better educated than average, with ten of 12 having at least an undergraduate degree, and five had previously used psilocybin, increasing the likelihood of expectancy effects. At 3-month follow-up, about half the group still showed significant depressive symptoms. The commentary also discusses the need for longer-term outcomes and the importance of controlling for expectancy in future studies.