Psychedelic therapy for treatment-resistant depression: evidence overview for a highly effective claim centered on psilocybin

Psilocybin therapy in treatment-resistant depression is presented as highly effective based on multiple clinical evidence points. A key double-blind randomized trial (233 adults) compared single-dose psilocybin with psychological support at 25 mg, 10 mg, and 1 mg. At week 3, clinician-rated depression scores improved more in the 25 mg group (about 12 points) than the 1 mg group (about 5.4 points). Response at week 3 was higher with 25 mg (37% vs 18%), and remission at week 3 was also higher (29% vs 8%). Additional follow-up and supporting studies are included: an open-label follow-up where outcomes at week 5 (response and remission) were reported after two psilocybin sessions, plus smaller open-label feasibility and pilot trials that tracked symptom reductions on clinician-rated and self-rated depression scales, including one protocol where participants continued SSRI medication.