The effects of psilocybin on psychological distress in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms in cancer patients, with a standardized mean difference of -2.87 on the Beck Depression Inventory.

• In randomized controlled trials, psilocybin showed strong effects on depressive symptoms as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression subscale, with a standardized mean difference of -2.97.
• Short-term follow-up (2-5 weeks) indicated significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, with standardized mean differences of -1.17 for the Beck Depression Inventory and -1.99 for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale.
• Long-term follow-up (6 months) demonstrated sustained benefits on depressive symptoms, with a standardized mean difference of -2.60 on the Beck Depression Inventory.
• Improvements in quality of life and spiritual well-being were noted after psilocybin treatment, as measured by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being scale.
• Findings on anxiety outcomes were mixed, with no significant change observed in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale.

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