HOW PROMISING IS PSILOCYBIN THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY? A META-ANALYSIS OF 4 STUDIES
by Paulina Suchecka
Category: Medicine
Abstract – High prevalence of depression in modern society, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, urges to rethink the approach to treatment. Psychedelic pharmacotherapy with psilocybin is one novel option. A meta-analysis was run to investigate the effect of psilocybin on depression and anxiety reported by 4 trials. Highly significant results were found for depression (d=1.41), moderate results for anxiety (d=0.48). Therefore, psilocybin is a promising medication possible able to compete with traditional pharmacotherapy due to its friendly dosing, long-lasting effects and high effectiveness. Limitations are posed by psilocybin’s status as schedule I drug and poorly researched adverse effects.