This pooled analysis of two Phase II RCTs (n=79) evaluates psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP/PAT) for cancer-related distress. PAT significantly improves anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, obsession–compulsion, and somatization without inducing lasting phobia, paranoia, or psychosis.
Abstract of Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy improves psychiatric symptoms across multiple dimensions in patients with cancer
“Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) has shown promise in treating mood and anxiety disorders in patients with cancer. However, patients with cancer often suffer from more than just depression and anxiety, and so far, PAP’s effect on other psychiatric symptoms remains largely unknown. To address this gap, we pooled previously unpublished data from two phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trials involving 79 participants with cancer-related distress and analyzed PAP’s effect on 9 psychiatric symptom dimensions: anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, obsession–compulsion, somatization, phobia, paranoia and psychosis. PAP significantly improved anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, obsession–compulsion and somatization without inducing any lasting phobia, paranoia or psychosis. Clinical improvements were consistent between trials. Together, our findings suggest that PAP has the potential to be a comprehensive mental health treatment for patients with cancer.”
Authors: Petros D. Petridis, Jack Grinband, Gabrielle Agin-Liebes, Connor J. Kinslow, Richard J. Zeifman, Michael P. Bogenschutz, Roland R. Griffiths & Stephen Ross
Summary of Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy improves psychiatric symptoms across multiple dimensions in patients with cancer
Cancer patients frequently experience a broad spectrum of psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, somatization, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. These symptoms can exacerbate physical suffering, reduce quality of life, and negatively affect treatment outcomes. While psychotherapy and pharmacological interventions are the standard approaches for managing these symptoms, they often have limitations. Standard antidepressants, for instance, can take weeks to show effects, interact with other medications, and may have significant side effects. Stimulants and ketamine have been explored as alternatives, but their benefits are often short-lived and associated with undesirable side effects.
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) has emerged as a promising alternative for treating psychiatric distress in patients with cancer. Previous research has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing anxiety and depression in this population. However, its effects on a broader range of psychiatric symptoms remain largely unexplored. To address this gap, the researchers conducted a pooled analysis of unpublished data from two Phase II randomised, placebo-controlled crossover trials. Their aim was to assess the impact of PAP on nine psychiatric symptom dimensions: anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, obsession–compulsion, somatization, phobia, paranoia, and psychosis.
Methods
Study Design and Participants
Find this paper
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-024-00331-0
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Cite this paper (APA)
Petridis, P. D., Grinband, J., Agin-Liebes, G., Kinslow, C. J., Zeifman, R. J., Bogenschutz, M. P., ... & Ross, S. (2024). Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy improves psychiatric symptoms across multiple dimensions in patients with cancer. Nature Mental Health, 1-7.
Study details
Compounds studied
Psilocybin
Placebo
Topics studied
Palliative Care
Depression
Anxiety
Study characteristics
Original Re-analysis
Placebo-Controlled
Active Placebo
Double-Blind
Within-Subject
Randomized
Re-analysis
Participants
79
Humans
Institutes
Institutes associated with this publication
NYU Langone HealthThis company doesn't have a full profile yet, it is linked to a clinical trial.
Compound Details
The psychedelics given at which dose and how many times
Psilocybin 22 - 30mg | 1x
Linked Research Papers
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Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial
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Linked Clinical Trial
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Psychopharmacology of Psilocybin in Cancer Patients
This research is being done to study the psychological effects of psilocybin in cancer patients. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring substance found in some mushrooms that some cultures have used for centuries in religious practices.