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Cited by 72Psychedelics and Drug StudiesTreatment of Major DepressionReligion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Dose effect of psilocybin on primary and secondary depression: a preliminary systematic review and meta-analysis

Li, Nan-Xi, Hu, Yi-Ru, Chen, Wang-Ni, Zhang, Bin·2022·Journal of Affective Disorders
DOI 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.041
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Abstract

Background Previous studies have shown that psilocybin has antidepressant effects. In the current study, we aim to explore the dose effects of psilocybin on primary (major depression patients) and secondary depression (depressed cancer patients).Methods Published studies concerning psilocybin for depression were retrieved. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov 2.3 and WanFang database) were searched for research studies published or still in progress from inception to 30 November, 2020, with language restricted to English and Chinese. Hedges' g of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score changes was calculated as the primary outcome.Results 7 articles were finally included, with a total of 136 participants. In terms of efficacy, Hedges' g was 1.289 (95%CI=[1.020, 1.558], heterogeneity I 2=50.995%, p<0.001). As psilocybin dose increases within a certain range, the antidepressive effect declines and then increases, with 30-35 mg/70 kg achieving the optimal therapeutic effect. Subgroup analysis suggested that the antidepressive effect of psilocybin was extremely significant at a relatively high dose (30-35mg/70kg: Hedges' g=3.059, 95%CI=[2.269, 3.849], p<0.001), long-term (>1month: Hedges' g=1.123, 95%CI=[0.861, 1.385], p<0.001) and when used in primary depression patients (Hedges' g=2.190, 95%CI=[1.423, 2.957], p<0.001).Limitations Only a small number of studies can be identified of variable quality, thus our conclusions remain preliminary.Conclusions Our preliminary results have shown that psilocybin exerts a rapid effect in reducing depressive symptom on primary and secondary depression. The optimal dose of psilocybin may be 30-35mg/70kg or higher; future clinical trials are warranted for further evaluation on its effect.

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Authors
Li, N.-X., Hu, Y.-R., Chen, W.-N., & Zhang, B.
Affiliations
Guangzhou Medical University (CN)
Corresponding author
Zhang, Bin
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Affective Disorders
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2022-01
Volume
296
Pages
26-34
ISSN
0165-0327 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.041
OpenAlex
W3201625402
Cited by
72
References
59
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 21 · 2022: 11
FWCI
1.76
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Affective Disorders (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
  • Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Keywords
psilocybin, depression, dose-response relationship, major depressive disorder, cancer-related depression, antidepressant effects, optimal dose, rapid-acting antidepressants, long-term treatment outcomes
MeSH terms
Antidepressive Agents, Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, Humans, Psilocybin

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