Mood & Mental Health

·

Study

One Psilocybin Dose Eases Depression and Anxiety in Serious Illness

One Psilocybin Dose Eases Depression and Anxiety in Serious Illness

Psilocybin mushrooms

What they found

In a trial of 35 seriously ill patients, one 25 mg psilocybin dose with therapy sharply cut depression and anxiety for up to 6 months.

In a trial of 35 seriously ill patients, one 25 mg psilocybin dose with therapy sharply cut depression and anxiety for up to 6 months.

The number

BDI-II −7.6 points; d=2.9

How solid is it?

Early human

Early human

Human – RCT

Human – RCT

Evidence ladder: Lab dish → Animal → Early human → Strong human. Reviews summarize earlier research.

At a glance

Latin name

Compound

psilocybin

psilocybin

Sample size

35 people

35 people

Published in

ScienceDirect

ScienceDirect

Covered in Shroom Scan

Section

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

As it ran in Shroom Scan

End-of-Life Relief

End-of-Life Relief

A phase 2b randomized controlled trial tested psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in 35 people with life-threatening illnesses and clinically significant depression or anxiety. A single 25 mg dose of psilocybin plus structured therapy led to large, clinically meaningful reductions in depression (BDI-II −7.6 points; d=2.9) and anxiety (STAI-State −12.6 points; d=4.5) compared to niacin placebo. Benefits extended beyond symptom relief, reducing hopelessness, death anxiety, and demoralization, while boosting spiritual well-being and quality of life. Effects were sustained for up to 6 months, with no serious adverse events.

A phase 2b randomized controlled trial tested psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in 35 people with life-threatening illnesses and clinically significant depression or anxiety. A single 25 mg dose of psilocybin plus structured therapy led to large, clinically meaningful reductions in depression (BDI-II −7.6 points; d=2.9) and anxiety (STAI-State −12.6 points; d=4.5) compared to niacin placebo. Benefits extended beyond symptom relief, reducing hopelessness, death anxiety, and demoralization, while boosting spiritual well-being and quality of life. Effects were sustained for up to 6 months, with no serious adverse events.

Psilocybin’s Edge, Space-Built Mycelium, and a Radiation Shield from Mushrooms

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