Psilocybin shows rapid mood improvement in recurrent depression in new trial
A small randomized trial at Karolinska Institutet tested a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin versus placebo, with structured psychological support, in 35 participants with recurrent depression not classified as treatment-resistant, and followed them for a year. By day eight, mood improvements appeared in the psilocybin group; by six weeks, more than half no longer met criteria for depression versus one in the placebo group, though self-rated benefits persisted for about three months. About one-third in each arm began antidepressants during follow-up, reflecting real-world care. Two participants in the psilocybin group experienced severe anxiety requiring medical attention. Limitations include small sample size and unblinding concerns, but the study broadens the potential target population for psychedelic-assisted therapy and underscores the need for larger trials and scalable regulatory frameworks for implementation.