Psilocybin Shows Promise in Treating Depression and Anxiety in Cancer Patients
2025-07-18
A double-blind, crossover trial investigated the effects of psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen, on 51 cancer patients experiencing life-threatening diagnoses and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. High-dose psilocybin significantly reduced clinician- and self-rated depression and anxiety, improving quality of life, life meaning, and optimism while decreasing death anxiety. These positive effects were sustained at the 6-month follow-up, with approximately 80% of participants showing clinically significant improvements. The study highlights the mediating role of mystical-type psilocybin experiences in achieving therapeutic outcomes.
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hallucinogen