Skip to content
PsiloAtlas

Research by condition

Major depression

Moderate to severe depression in people who have not necessarily tried other treatments first.

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

Raison et al., JAMA, 2023

Design
Phase 2, randomized, double-blind trial at 11 US sites comparing one psilocybin dose with a niacin placebo, both with psychological support.
Who took part
104 adults aged 21 to 65 with major depression of moderate or greater severity.
Findings
Psilocybin reduced depression scores more than the niacin placebo over six weeks.
Limitations
Single dose with six weeks of follow-up. People taking psychiatric medicines had to taper off first.

Psilocybin

Davis et al., JAMA Psychiatry, 2021

Design
Randomized trial with a waiting-list control, two psilocybin sessions with supportive therapy at Johns Hopkins.
Who took part
27 adults with major depression not taking antidepressants; 24 completed the intervention and were analyzed.
Findings
Large reductions in depression scores at four weeks after treatment compared with the waiting-list group.
Limitations
Small sample, no placebo, and participants knew whether they were treated.

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.