Psilocybin shows moderate efficacy in depression treatment but faces bias and conflict issues.

Psilocybin shows moderate efficacy in depression treatment but faces bias and conflict issues.

Why it matters

  • Psilocybin may offer a new approach to treating depression but faces methodological and ethical challenges.

By the numbers

  • 9 RCTs with 602 participants showed psilocybin was moderately superior to controls (effect size g=0.62).
  • High heterogeneity and risk of bias noted in studies.

The big picture

  • Psilocybin shows potential but needs more rigorous, independent studies.

What they're saying

  • Concerns about financial conflicts of interest and funding for independent research.

Caveats

  • High risk of bias and financial conflicts of interest in most studies.
  • Study quality and independence need improvement.

What’s next

  • Larger, well-controlled studies with independent funding are needed.