Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression
RCT in 59 patients with long-standing, moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder did not show significant difference in antidepressant effects at week 6 between psilocybin, a compound which occurs naturally in psychoactive psilocybe genus of mushrooms, and escitalopram.
Source:
New England Journal of Medicine
SPS commentary:
The mean changes from baseline to week 6 in scores on the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self-Report (QIDS-SR-16; scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating greater depression) were −8.0±1.0 points in the psilocybin group and −6.0±1.0 in the escitalopram group (p=0.17).
An editorial notes that although this trial is an evidentiary milestone in the development of psychedelic drugs, it also reveals major knowledge gaps. It is unknown how these drugs produce their mind-altering effects, and given the controversial history, unique properties, and ambitious claims surrounding psychedelic drugs, their development must be guided by the most enlightened science and with the utmost methodologic rigor.