Single-Dose Psilocybin Effective in Major Depression

A randomized clinical trial found that a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin produced rapid antidepressant effects in patients with moderate to severe recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD), with benefits emerging by day 2 and persisting for more than 3 months on several secondary measures. Conducted at the Northern Stockholm Psychiatric Clinic, the double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 35 adults with recurrent MDD who received either psilocybin or active placebo (niacin), along with five psychotherapy support sessions over 17 days. Compared with placebo, psilocybin significantly improved clinician-rated depression scores at days 8, 15, and 42, although the difference was no longer significant at 1 year. Self-reported depressive symptoms also improved rapidly and remained lower through day 102. Most adverse events were mild to moderate and transient, with no drug-related serious adverse events reported; however, two participants experienced persistent severe anxiety requiring medical attention. These findings suggest that psilocybin therapy may offer a fast-acting and relatively durable antidepressant effect for MDD, supporting further research into repeated dosing and combination treatment strategies. Source: https://jamanetwork.com/