Mood & Mental Health

·

Review

Psilocybin Eased End-of-Life Anxiety and Depression

Psilocybin Eased End-of-Life Anxiety and Depression

Psilocybin mushrooms

What they found

In a systematic review, one or two 20–30 mg psilocybin doses gave large, lasting relief of anxiety and depression in terminal illness.

In a systematic review, one or two 20–30 mg psilocybin doses gave large, lasting relief of anxiety and depression in terminal illness.

The number

Cohen’s d about 0.8–1.5

How solid is it?

Strong human

Strong human

Meta-analysis/systematic review

Meta-analysis/systematic review

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

At a glance

Latin name

Compound

psilocybin

psilocybin

Published in

Human Psychopharmacology

Human Psychopharmacology

Covered in Shroom Scan

Section

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

As it ran in Shroom Scan

End-of-Life Anxiety Help

End-of-Life Anxiety Help

Psilocybin can deliver deep, lasting relief from anxiety and depression in people facing terminal illness, not just temporary calming. One or two guided doses of 20–30 mg produced large effect sizes (Cohen’s d about 0.8–1.5), with emotional and existential benefits persisting for 3–6 months after treatment. Across trials in this systematic review, symptom reduction matched or exceeded standard benzodiazepine–opioid regimens, but without heavy sedation or respiratory suppression, indicating psilocybin can offer sustained psychological comfort and meaning at the end of life rather than short-term chemical numbing.

Psilocybin can deliver deep, lasting relief from anxiety and depression in people facing terminal illness, not just temporary calming. One or two guided doses of 20–30 mg produced large effect sizes (Cohen’s d about 0.8–1.5), with emotional and existential benefits persisting for 3–6 months after treatment. Across trials in this systematic review, symptom reduction matched or exceeded standard benzodiazepine–opioid regimens, but without heavy sedation or respiratory suppression, indicating psilocybin can offer sustained psychological comfort and meaning at the end of life rather than short-term chemical numbing.

Cancer Cell Shutdown in Lab Models, Mushroom Marinades Boost Beef Tenderness

Read the original study ↗

Get Shroom Scan

Next study

Psilocybin Therapy Restored Meaning for People With Terminal Illness ›

Shroom Scan · Every Friday

Get Studies Like This, Translated, Every Week

Ten new studies a week, each boiled down to what it found and why it matters to you. Free, and one click to leave.

See what's inside →