Research on Psilocybin

An Overview of Completed Studies

In recent years, research into psilocybin has yielded promising insights into its potential therapeutic applications. In controlled settings, psilocybin has shown positive effects on a range of mental health conditions. While the results are encouraging, experts caution against the use of psilocybin outside of professional and controlled environments. The substance has a powerful effect on the psyche and can pose risks without proper guidance.

 

Below is an overview of completed studies, including their goals, setup, and findings.

An Overview of Completed Studies

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Psilocybin for Depression (MDD – Major Depressive Disorder)

  • Study: Randomized clinical trial (JAMA Network)
  • Design: Participants received a single dose of psilocybin or a placebo.
  • Results: The psilocybin group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. These effects lasted up to 43 days.

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Behandeling van Therapieresistente Depressie (TRD)

  • Study: Phase 2b study by COMPASS Pathways (New England Journal of Medicine, 2022)
  • Design: 233 patients from 10 countries received a single dose of psilocybin (1 mg, 10 mg, or 25 mg), with psychological support.
  • Results: After 3 weeks, 29% of the 25 mg group were in remission, compared to 8% in the 1 mg group. Some effects lasted up to 12 weeks. Side effects were mild (e.g., headache). This was the largest psilocybin study to date.

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    Langetermijneffecten op Depressie

  • Study: Johns Hopkins University (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
  • Design: Follow-up after two psilocybin sessions.
  • Results: The majority of participants maintained reduced depressive symptoms up to one year after treatment.

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    Angst en Depressie bij Kankerpatiënten

  • Study: Johns Hopkins (2016)
  • Design: 51 terminal cancer patients received either a low dose (1–3 mg) or a high dose (22–30 mg) of psilocybin in a controlled setting.
  • Results: 80% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression after one session. Effects lasted up to 6 months. Patients experienced greater acceptance and improved quality of life.

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    Kankergerelateerde Distress

  • Study: NYU Langone (2016)
  • Design: 29 cancer patients received 0.3 mg/kg psilocybin or a placebo, followed by therapy.
  • Results: 60–80% of the psilocybin group showed a rapid and sustained reduction in depression and anxiety (up to 7 months). Mystical experiences contributed to these outcomes.

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    Alcoholverslaving

  • Study: NYU (2022)
  • Design: 95 participants received two doses of psilocybin (25 mg/70 kg) along with additional therapy.
  • Results: The psilocybin group drank 83% less heavily in the 8 months following treatment, compared to 51% in the control group. This suggests increased motivation and self-awareness.

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    Obsessief-Compulsieve Stoornis (OCS)

  • Study: University of Arizona (2006)
  • Design: 9 patients received various dosages of psilocybin.
  • Results: Some participants experienced significant improvements without serious side effects. Although the study was small, the results are promising.

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    General Observations

    The studied applications of psilocybin consistently show that, within a therapeutic framework, the substance can lead to rapid and sometimes long-lasting improvements in depression, anxiety, and addiction-related issues. Safety is considered high, with mostly mild side effects such as headache or nausea.

    Ongoing research is exploring broader applications such as PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and Alzheimer’s disease. While preliminary results are encouraging, further research is needed to confirm effectiveness, optimal dosages, and long-term effects.