Psychedelics for major depression-From controlled research settings into broader clinical use.
Cell Rep Med September 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102361 via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractRecent phase 2 randomized controlled trials indicate that psychedelics can reduce symptoms of depression, and phase 3 trials are now in progress. The biological and psychological processes behind these effects—including receptor activity, subjective experiences, and the role of context—are not yet fully explained. The authors review current clinical findings and mechanistic insights, then suggest directions for further investigation.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Psychedelics Psychedelic compounds Entheogens Major depression |
| Key finding | Psychedelics show antidepressant effects in phase 2 trials, but the mechanisms remain incompletely understood. |
Abstract
Psychedelics have shown promising antidepressant effects in recent phase 2 randomized controlled trials, with phase 3 studies underway. While therapeutic outcomes are encouraging, the underlying mechanisms—from receptor-level pharmacology to subjective experience and context—remain only partially understood. We highlight clinical and mechanistic advances and outline priorities for future research. Psychedelics have shown promising antidepressant effects in recent phase 2 randomized controlled trials, with phase 3 studies underway. While therapeutic outcomes are encouraging, the underlying mechanisms—from receptor-level pharmacology to subjective experience and context—remain only partially understood. We highlight clinical and mechanistic advances and outline priorities for future research.