Study: Comparative oral monotherapy of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ayahuasca, and escitalopram for depressive symptoms: systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis . Image Credit: YAR Photographer / Shutterstock.com Meta-analysis found that high-dose psilocybin was more effective than placebo in treating depressive symptoms in antidepressant trials, though its effect size was small compared to escitalopram.
In a recent study published in The BMJ , researchers compare the effectiveness and acceptability of oral monotherapy with psychedelics for the treatment of depressive symptoms. Psychedelics in the clinic Psychedelics like psilocybin, ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have shown potential in their potential indication for the treatment of depression by promoting neuroplasticity. Although meta-analyses report large effect sizes, concerns remain about overestimated efficacy due to compromised blinding and response expectancy.
To date, only one double-blind trial has compared psilocybin with escitalopram, in which psilocybin was reported to be more effective. Further research is needed to accurately determine the true efficacy of psychedelics, as current trials may be biased by compromised blinding and the influence of psychological support. About the study The current study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPE.