Science & Research

Key published studies on psilocybin, explained in plain language. For each one we say what was found, what the study does not tell us, and link to the original paper.

Nature · 2024What happens in the brain on psilocybin? A close look with repeated brain scansSeven people, about 18 brain scans each: how psilocybin loosens the brain's networks, and what lingered weeks later.

JAMA · 2023A single psilocybin session for major depression, tested against a placeboIn 104 adults with depression, one 25 mg psilocybin dose with support lowered symptoms more than placebo for six weeks.

New England Journal of Medicine · 2022One dose of psilocybin for depression that other treatments didn't helpThe largest early psilocybin trial: 25 mg eased depression more than 1 mg at three weeks, but the effect faded and safety concerns came up.

JAMA Psychiatry · 2022Psilocybin and alcohol use disorder: what a placebo-controlled trial found95 adults, two sessions, 12 weeks of therapy. Heavy drinking days fell to 9.7% with psilocybin vs 23.6% with placebo.

Nature Medicine · 2022What brain scans showed after psilocybin therapy for depressionBrain scans from two trials suggest psilocybin therapy made brain networks less walled-off, and that change tracked with mood improvement.

Journal of Psychopharmacology · 2022A year after psilocybin: did the changes in depression last?A year after two guided psilocybin sessions, most participants in a small Johns Hopkins study still reported fewer depression symptoms.

JAMA Psychiatry · 2021Two psilocybin sessions and depression: what the Johns Hopkins trial foundIn a small Johns Hopkins trial, most people with depression who had two guided psilocybin sessions improved within weeks.

Journal of Psychopharmacology · 2020Years after one psilocybin session: a long-term look at people with cancerResearchers checked back in with cancer patients 3 and 4.5 years after a single supported psilocybin session.

Journal of Psychopharmacology · 2016Psilocybin for depression and anxiety in people with cancer: the 2016 Johns Hopkins trialIn 51 people with life-threatening cancer, about 4 in 5 still showed lower depression and anxiety six months after psilocybin.

Journal of Psychopharmacology · 2016One psilocybin session for cancer-related anxiety and depression: what the NYU trial found29 people with cancer, one supported psilocybin session, and what changed in their anxiety and mood over 6.5 months.

The Lancet Psychiatry · 2016Psilocybin for hard-to-treat depression: Imperial College's first small study12 people whose depression hadn't lifted with medication tried two supported psilocybin sessions. Here is what researchers saw.

Journal of Psychopharmacology · 2014Can psilocybin help people quit smoking? What a small Johns Hopkins study found15 long-term smokers, therapy plus psilocybin sessions, and follow-ups out to 2.5 years. Here's what happened.

Journal of Psychopharmacology · 2011Can one psilocybin session change personality? The 2011 study on opennessAfter one guided psilocybin session, volunteers who had a mystical-type experience showed more openness more than a year later.

Psychopharmacology · 2006Can psilocybin bring on a meaningful mystical experience? The 2006 Johns Hopkins studyTwo in three healthy volunteers ranked one guided psilocybin session among the most meaningful experiences of their lives.

We summarise peer-reviewed research for general information. Results from clinical trials with medical screening and professional support may not apply elsewhere. This is not medical advice.