Single-Dose Psilocybin vs Placebo: First Double-Blind Depression Trial
Does single-dose psilocybin beat placebo for depression?
Yes. A single moderate dose of psilocybin produces approximately 53% greater improvement in depression symptoms compared to placebo, with 58% achieving treatment response versus 16% with placebo. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of 52 adults with major depressive disorder found that 54% achieved remission with psilocybin versus 12% with placebo.
Psilocybin works by activating serotonin receptors and promoting neuroplasticity, potentially resetting brain circuits involved in depression when administered with psychological support.