Skip to content
PsiloAtlas

Research by condition

Anxiety and depression with serious illness

Distress, anxiety and depression in people living with life-threatening cancer.

PsiloAtlas editorial · AI-assisted research summary. Not clinical or medical review. How we research and review

First published · Last substantive update · Cited sources checked

What each study tested

Each study is listed with the substance it tested. Results for one substance do not apply to another.

Psilocybin

Griffiths et al., Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2016

Design
Randomized, double-blind crossover trial comparing a high and a very low psilocybin dose.
Who took part
51 adults with life-threatening cancer and anxiety or depression.
Findings
The high dose reduced depressed mood and anxiety, with many participants still showing clinically significant improvement about six months later.
Limitations
Crossover design means long-term comparisons have no untreated group. Small sample.

Psilocybin

Ross et al., Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2016

Design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of one psilocybin dose versus niacin, both with psychotherapy.
Who took part
29 adults with cancer-related anxiety and depression.
Findings
Psilocybin produced rapid, sustained reductions in anxiety and depression; about 60% to 80% still had clinically significant reductions at 6.5 months.
Limitations
Small sample and crossover design.

Approval and access, by substance

Research results are not the same as approved or available treatment.

Psilocybin

Not approved by the FDA for any use, and listed in federal Schedule I. Legal adult access in the US exists through Oregon's licensed service centers and Colorado's licensed healing centers, and through clinical trials. Those state programs are not medical treatment programs and do not diagnose or treat conditions. Some countries have separate legal pathways; see the Legal section.

Sources: US Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 1308.11 (Schedule I); Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Psilocybin Services; Colorado Natural Medicine Division, accessing regulated natural medicine

Next steps

General information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before any treatment, especially if you take medication or have heart or mental-health conditions.