Temporal dynamics in neuroimaging as correlates of therapeutic response to psilocybin in major depressive disorder: A systematic review and critical appraisal
Sami George Sabbah, Sophie Li, Sabrina Wong, Gia Han Le, Sebastian Badulescu, Colin Hawco, Joshua D. Rosenblat, Roger S. McIntyre
Journal of Affective Disorders September 16, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.120335 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsilocybin is linked to dynamic and temporally distinct neuroplastic changes that are associated with clinical improvement in depression. However, many studies reused overlapping datasets, had high exploratory flexibility, and risk of bias, which limits the generalizability of the results. Future research should use independent datasets, pre-registered imaging endpoints, and longitudinal designs to better understand the mechanisms of psychedelic therapy for depression.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Longitudinal Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin is associated with dynamic and temporally distinct neuroplastic changes linked to clinical improvement in depression, but generalizability is constrained by overlapping datasets and high risk of bias. |
Abstract
Although these findings suggest psilocybin is associated with dynamic and temporally distinct neuroplastic changes linked to clinical improvement, several limitations must be acknowledged. Many studies reused overlapping datasets with high exploratory flexibility and risk of bias. The generalizability of results is therefore constrained. Future research should emphasize independent datasets, pre-registered imaging endpoints, and longitudinal designs to clarify the mechanisms underlying psychedelic therapy for depression.