Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Dec 3, 2016Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)

Fast and lasting relief of anxiety and depression after psilocybin treatment in patients with life-threatening cancer

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Abstract

In a trial with 29 patients, psilocybin treatment resulted in 60-80% of participants experiencing significant reductions in anxiety or depression at a 6.5-month follow-up.

Psilocybin produced immediate and substantial improvements in anxiety and depression compared to placebo prior to the crossover.
There were decreases in cancer-related demoralization and hopelessness, along with enhanced spiritual well-being and quality of life.
Enduring anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects were noted, with sustained benefits in existential distress and attitudes towards death.
The therapeutic effect of psilocybin on anxiety and depression was mediated by the mystical experience induced by the treatment.

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BACKGROUND: Clinically significant anxiety and depression are common in patients with cancer, and are associated with poor psychiatric and medical outcomes. Historical and recent research suggests a role for psilocybin to treat cancer-related anxiety and depression.

METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 29 patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression were randomly assigned and received treatment with single-dose psilocybin (0.3 mg/kg) or niacin, both in conjunction with psychotherapy. The primary outcomes were anxiety and depression assessed between groups prior to the crossover at 7 weeks.

RESULTS: Prior to the crossover, psilocybin produced immediate, substantial, and sustained improvements in anxiety and depression and led to decreases in cancer-related demoralization and hopelessness, improved spiritual wellbeing, and increased quality of life. At the 6.5-month follow-up, psilocybin was associated with enduring anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects (approximately 60-80% of participants continued with clinically significant reductions in depression or anxiety), sustained benefits in existential distress and quality of life, as well as improved attitudes towards death. The psilocybin-induced mystical experience mediated the therapeutic effect of psilocybin on anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSIONS: In conjunction with psychotherapy, single moderate-dose psilocybin produced rapid, robust and enduring anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects in patients with cancer-related psychological distress.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00957359.

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Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

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