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Psychedelic Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Adults with Cancer and Depression

Summary

Researchers conducted a trial testing psilocybin-assisted therapy in cancer patients with depression. Participants received a single dose of psilocybin combined with therapy sessions. After eight weeks, most patients showed significant improvement in depression symptoms, with many achieving full remission. The treatment was generally safe with only mild side effects, and patients reported feeling more hopeful and better equipped to cope with their cancer diagnosis.

Background

Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms, binds to serotonin receptors in the brain and can alter mood, cognition, and perception. Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the safety and potential efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy combined with psychological support for treating major depressive disorder. This therapy is being investigated for various mental health conditions including anxiety, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted therapy in adults with cancer and major depression in a phase II open-label clinical trial.

Results

After eight weeks, patients’ depression severity scores dropped by an average of 19.1 points, with 80% experiencing sustained response and 50% achieving full remission of depressive symptoms after one week sustained for eight weeks. Treatment-related side effects were generally mild including nausea and headache. Exit interviews revealed participants reported positive experiences with improvements in self-transcendence and compassion.

Conclusion

Psilocybin-assisted therapy shows potential for reducing depressive symptoms in cancer patients, with participants describing transformative impacts on their lives and improved coping abilities. Additional larger studies with control arms are needed before clinical implementation, but the findings suggest significant potential for helping millions of cancer patients struggling with depression.
  • Published in:CANCER (American Cancer Society peer-reviewed journal),
  • Study Type:Clinical Trial,
  • Source: PMID: 38740403, DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35010
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