Psilocybin and Mental Health Outcomes: Scoping Review with ☸SAIMSARA
SAIMSARA Journal June 15, 2026
A scoping review of 216 original studies with over 271 million total participants indicates that the most consistent finding for psilocybin and health is a rapid, large, and sustained reduction of depressive symptoms in clinical populations. A randomized, waiting-list–controlled trial for major depressive disorder reported a Cohen's d of 2.5 at week 5, and benefits in treatment-resistant depression persisted up to 6 months. Converging evidence suggests broader therapeutic potential for anxiety, PTSD, and existential distress, along with preliminary signals for substance use disorders, though risks such as manic or psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals warrant rigorous screening. Real-world benefits and access are moderated by race and ethnicity, with protective associations and program participation concentrated among White participants.