Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40899152›Full record

SynthesisActa neuropsychiatrica2025

Therapeutic Use of Psilocybin in Depression: a Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence.

Filipe Reis Teodoro Andrade, Tobias Buchborn, Gabriel Thalheimer, Marcus W Meinhardt, Samia Joca, Rosa Maria Martins de Almeida

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Acta neuropsychiatrica, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Psychedelics in treatment-resistant depression: a comprehensive review of mechanisms, clinical evidence, and recommendations.Neuropsychiatrie : Klinik, Diagnostik, Therapie und Rehabilitation : Organ der Gesellschaft Osterreichischer Nervenarzte und Psychiater · 2026
    Review
  2. Psychedelic therapy and postpartum depression: priorities and prospects.Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology · 2026
    Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Filipe Reis Teodoro AndradeDepartment of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI), Mannheim, Germany.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9339-8294
Tobias BuchbornDepartment of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI), Mannheim, Germany.
Gabriel ThalheimerDepartment of Developmental and Personality Psychology, Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior (LPNeC), Universidade Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Marcus W MeinhardtDepartment of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI), Mannheim, Germany.
Samia JocaDepartment of Biomedicine - Forskning og uddannelse, Vest, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Rosa Maria Martins de AlmeidaDepartment of Developmental and Personality Psychology, Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior (LPNeC), Universidade Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant public health concern, and current treatments often have limitations in effectiveness and adherence. Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, is being explored as a potential treatment for depression. It primarily acts through the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor but interacts with 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors. Its precise mechanisms remain under investigation.

objectives(1) To consolidate evidence on psilocybin’s efficacy and safety for depression and the role of 5HT2a, (2) to identify limitations in the literature, and (3) to highlight areas needing further research.

methodsThis systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines and analyses 22 studies, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label studies. The studies cover various populations, including individuals with treatment-resistant depression, different dosing regimens, and adjunctive therapies.

resultsPsilocybin therapy shows substantial and rapid antidepressant effects, often after one or two sessions with psychological support. Improvements are sustained for weeks or months in many cases. Psilocybin is generally well-tolerated, with mild adverse effects such as anxiety during administration and transient headaches, which are manageable in controlled settings.

conclusionsPsilocybin demonstrates promise as a novel treatment for depression, especially for individuals unresponsive to conventional antidepressants. Further research is needed to refine dosing, explore long-term effects, and understand its mechanisms of action.

Indexed as

Antidepressive AgentsDepressive Disorder, Treatment-ResistantHallucinogensMajor Depressive DisorderPsilocybinHumansRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicTreatment OutcomeAntidepressive AgentsHallucinogensPsilocybin5HT2a receptorDepressive DisorderPsilocybinPsychedelicsSystematic Review

Identifiers

PMID40899152
PMCPMC13130258

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.