A new systematic review and network meta-analysis, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, explores the potential of psychedelics to alleviate existential distress in terminally ill patients.
Dried psilocybin (left) and LSD (right).
Conducted by researchers from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the Italy Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, and the University Utrecht in the Netherlands, the study analyzed data from nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 606 participants.
The analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of psychedelics such as psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, and MDMA. Results showed significant improvements in depression and anxiety compared to control groups.
“Network meta-analysis identified psilocybin as the most effective compound for depression, and LSD for anxiety. However, head-to-head comparison between psychedelics did not reach statistical significance”, states the study. “The rates of treatment discontinuation and adverse events between psychedelics and controls were comparable.”
Researchers conclude that “Psychedelics, especially psilocybin and LSD, showed promising effects on depression and anxiety in people with terminal illnesses”.
Despite the promising results, researchers state that “Limitations include the small number of RCTs, methodological issues related to blinding, and the lack of direct comparisons between psychedelic compounds. Larger studies and comparative research are needed to consolidate these findings.”
The findings underscore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in addressing psychological and existential distress in end-of-life care. For more information on this study, click here.
