This double-blind cross-over trial (n=12) investigates the effects of psilocybin (14mg/70kg) on advanced-stage cancer patients experiencing anxiety.
The results show that patients were safe and experienced significant reductions in anxiety and depression (the latter at the six-month follow-up).
This trial was conceived in 2001, started in 2004, and was the impetus for much of modern psychedelic research.
Topic Anxiety
Palliative Care
Compound Psilocybin
Country United States of America
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Trial Details
Trial Number
Sponsors & Collaborators
Lundquist InstituteThe Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation is an independent non-profit biomedical research organization that was founded in 1952. It supports more than 100 research groups which includes work being done by Charles Grob.
Heffter Research Institute
The Heffter Research Institute has been advancing psychedelics (psilocybin) as medicines since 1993.
Papers
Pilot study of psilocybin treatment for anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancerThis is the first (modern) double-blind placebo-controlled study (n=12) of psilocybin (14mg/70kg) for the treatment of (end-of-life) anxiety (and depression) related to cancer. Treatment led to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms up to three months after treatment and improvements in depressive symptoms reached significance after six months.
Measures Used
State-Trait Anxiety InventoryThe State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a commonly used measure of trait and state anxiety. The STAI measures two types of anxiety – state anxiety, anxiety about an event, and trait anxiety, anxiety level as a personal characteristic.
Beck Depression Inventory
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) contains 21 self-report items, completed using a multiple-choice format. Scores range from 0-63 with higher scores associated with more severe depression.