Studies have already shown that psilocybin can provide lasting relief for depression and anxiety disorders, but now, a new study has delved into which dosage is most effective.
Researchers from Milan, Italy, have conducted research to summarize and discuss the most recent evidence on the effectiveness of taking either one or two doses of psilocybin to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). They reviewed and analyzed twelve different studies and then offered suggestions for further studies on the topic.
Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most diagnosed psychiatric disorders worldwide, affecting as much as 5% of the global population each year. Not only can the symptoms be extremely disabling in most cases, such as significant mood swings, the inability to experience joy or pleasure, lack of attention, or frequent thoughts about death, but it can also affect sufferers physically, affecting their sleep, appetite, or movement. Above medical issues, MDD also comes with a significant financial burden, often affecting a person’s ability to work and provide for themselves or their families, which can only make the condition worse, leading to severe spiraling.
Currently, MDD is treated using medication or therapy; with medication including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), or Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs); and therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). However, on top of these treatments sometimes being difficult to access, around thirty percent of patients do not respond positively to two or more treatments. In addition, those treated with SSRIs even showed an increase in suicide ideation.
Treatments can also cause serious side effects, such as sexual problems and dysfunctions, nausea, weight gain, and alterations to sleep structure. This is on top of withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, anxiety, agitation, and lethargy.
The study found that every study they analyzed showed that psilocybin was effective in treating people diagnosed with either major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression. They even showed that they were more effective than those treated with placebos – sugar pills that the participants are told are psilocybin – and with other, more traditional medication. Both single doses and two doses of psilocybins showed long-lasting positive effects, with no concrete evidence that one was more effective than the other.
However, not all the results were positive, with some participants showing adverse effects such as nausea, headaches, and an increase in suicidal ideation. This highlights the necessity to undertake psilocybin therapy only after a thorough risk assessment by a licensed professional, as well as accompanying the treatment with therapy from professionals in the field.
The study also suggested further investigations to test the effect of psilocybin treatment on higher-order cognitive functions, as well as the possibility of diminishing rewards as treatment continues.
