Psychotherapy with Psilocybin for Depression: Systematic Review

Psilocybin therapy, combined with psychological support, shows promising potential for treating major depressive disorder. A review of eight studies found that one or two doses of psilocybin, administered alongside therapeutic support, can produce rapid and substantial improvements in depressive symptoms and well-being that last for months. The therapy also enhances introspective capacity. These benefits were observed in cases of treatment-resistant depression and depression related to life-threatening illnesses like cancer. The findings affirm the efficiency of this approach for the 280 million people worldwide affected by depression, a leading cause of disability.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Depression is a common mental health issue that affects 280 million people in the world with a high mortality rate, as well as being a leading cause of disability. Psychopharmacological therapies with psychedelics, particularly those with psilocybin, are showing promising potential for the treatment of depression, among other conditions. Some of their benefits include a rapid and exponential improvement in depressive symptoms and an increased sense of well-being that can last for months after the treatment, as well as a greater development of introspective capacity. The aim of this project was to provide experimental evidence about therapeutic procedures along with psilocybin for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The project highlights eight studies that examined this condition. Some of them dealt with treatment-resistant depression while others dealt with depression due to a life-threatening disease such as cancer. These publications affirm the efficiency of the psilocybin therapy for depression, with only one or two doses in conjunction with psychological support during the process.