The experimental effects of psilocybin on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis
This meta-analysis (2020) reported favorably on four trials (n=117) that studied the effect of psilocybin-assisted therapy for anxiety and depression.
Authors
- Samuel Goldberg
- Charles Raison
- Christopher Nicholas
Published
Abstract
The current meta-analysis examined the effects of psilocybin in combination with behavioral interventions on anxiety and depression in samples with elevated symptoms. Across four studies (one uncontrolled; three randomized, placebo-controlled; N = 117), within-group pre-post and pre-follow-up effects on anxiety and depression were large (Hedges’ gs=1.16 to 1.47) and statistically significant. Across three placebo-controlled studies, pre-post placebo-controlled effects were also large (gs = 0.82 to 0.83) and statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported. Limitations include the small number of studies and risk for bias within studies. Results tentatively support future research on psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Research Summary of 'The experimental effects of psilocybin on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis'
Introduction
Research into new treatments for anxiety and depressive disorders has expanded to include psychedelic compounds after a long hiatus. Earlier work suggested potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, for conditions including anxiety and substance use, but quantitative synthesis of clinical trials testing psilocybin for anxiety and depression had not been conducted. Goldberg and colleagues set out to fill that gap by performing a meta-analysis of clinical trials in which psilocybin was administered to people with clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. The aim was to estimate pooled effects on anxiety and depression, assess heterogeneity and publication bias, and characterise risks of bias within and across studies to inform future research planning.
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Study Details
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- APA Citation
Goldberg, S. B., Pace, B. T., Nicholas, C. R., Raison, C. L., & Hutson, P. R. (2020). The experimental effects of psilocybin on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 284, 112749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112749
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