The experimental effects of psilocybin on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis.

The current meta-analysis examined the effects of psilocybin in combination with behavioral interventions on anxiety and depression in samples with elevated symptoms. Across four studies (one uncontrolled; three randomized, placebo-controlled; N = 117), within-group pre-post and pre-follow-up effects on anxiety and depression were large (Hedges' gs=1.16 to 1.47) and statistically significant. Across three placebo-controlled studies, pre-post placebo-controlled effects were also large (gs = 0.82 to 0.83) and statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported. Limitations include the small number of studies and risk for bias within studies. Results tentatively support future research on psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Christopher R. Nicholas received salary offsets from Usona Institute. In the prior 12 months, Charles L. Raison has served as a consultant for Usona Institute, Alkermes and Shire. All other authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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