Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is emerging as a groundbreaking approach too mental health treatment,with recent studies highlighting its potential to address conditions like alcohol use disorder (AUD) and cancer-related psychological distress. Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry and Nature Mental Health reveals how this innovative therapy is reshaping our understanding of mental health care.1,2,3
In October 2024, a study involving 79 cancer patients with co-occurring mental health conditions—such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), paranoia, and psychosis—was conducted across two randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trials. Participants were initially given either a high dose of psilocybin or a placebo, such as vitamin B3 or a minimal dose of psilocybin.1,3
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After six to seven weeks, the groups switched treatments, with psychotherapy sessions conducted before and after each dosing.Patients reported their mental health symptoms at the study’s outset and six months post-treatment. The results were striking: psilocybin significantly alleviated anxiety, depression, hostility, OCD, and somatization. Notably, there were no lasting symptoms of phobia, paranoia, or psychosis, with consistent outcomes across both trials.3
“Our findings suggest that the mental health benefits of psilocybin therapy for cancer patients may reach far beyond what we have previously understood,” said Dr. Petros Petridis,MD,clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at NYU grossman School of Medicine.1
Building on these insights, a second study published in January 2025 explored PAT’s impact on personality traits in individuals with AUD.Researchers hypothesized that psilocybin could reduce impulsiveness—a key factor in alcohol dependency—thereby decreasing alcohol consumption.2
The findings were promising. Patients treated with psilocybin exhibited critically important reductions in neuroticism and notable increases in extraversion and openness. Further analysis revealed that these changes were driven by decreased depression, impulsiveness, and vulnerability, and also heightened emotional and imaginative openness. Importantly, reduced impulsiveness correlated with lower alcohol consumption post-treatment, particularly among those who had engaged in moderate- or high-risk drinking before therapy.1,2
“as impulsiveness has long been linked to both excessive drinking and relapse after treatment, the personality changes brought about by psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy may help those recovering from alcohol dependence remain resilient to internal and external stressors known to trigger relapse,” explained Dr. Broc Pagni, PhD, postdoctoral fellow at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.1
REFERENCES
1. Psychedelic drug therapy may address mental health concerns in people with cancer and addiction. News release.NYU Langone Health/NY Grossman School of Medicine. January 2, 2025. Accessed January 14, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1068944
2. Pagni BA, Zeifman RJ, Mennenga SE, et al. multidimensional Personality Changes Following Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder: Results From a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.American Journal of Psychiatry. 2024;182(1). doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.20230887
3.Petridis PD, Grinband J, Agin-Liebes G, et al. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy improves psychiatric symptoms across multiple dimensions in patients with cancer. Nat. Mental Health 2024;2:1408–1414. doi:10.1038/s44220-024-00331-0
What is the duration of the treatment protocol used in the PAT study Dr. Carter discussed related to cancer patients?
Interview wiht Dr.Emily Carter, Psychedelic Therapy Researcher and Clinical Psychologist
By Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) has been making headlines recently, notably for its potential in treating mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and even alcohol use disorder.Can you tell us about the latest research and its implications?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. The field of psychedelic therapy is indeed evolving rapidly. One of the most exciting developments is the growing body of evidence supporting PAT for cancer-related psychological distress. A recent study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry and Nature Mental Health involved 79 cancer patients with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, paranoia, and psychosis. The results were striking—participants who received a high dose of psilocybin,combined with psychotherapy,reported meaningful improvements in their mental health symptoms.
Archyde: That’s fascinating. Can you walk us through how the study was conducted?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely.the study was a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial.Participants were initially given either a high dose of psilocybin or a placebo, such as vitamin B3 or a minimal dose of psilocybin. After six to seven weeks, the groups switched treatments. Psychotherapy sessions were conducted before and after each dosing to help participants process their experiences. Patients reported their mental health symptoms at the start of the study and again six months post-treatment.
Archyde: What were the key findings?
Dr. Carter: The results were remarkable. Patients who received the high dose of psilocybin showed significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms. Many reported a renewed sense of meaning and connection, which is particularly critically importent for individuals grappling with the psychological toll of cancer. These effects were sustained even six months after treatment, suggesting that PAT has long-term benefits.
Archyde: That’s unbelievable. How does psilocybin work to produce these effects?
Dr. Carter: Psilocybin, the active compound in “magic mushrooms,” interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction leads to altered states of consciousness, which can help patients confront and reframe deeply rooted emotional and psychological challenges. When combined with psychotherapy,this process can be incredibly therapeutic,allowing patients to gain new perspectives and insights.
Archyde: What are the potential risks or challenges associated with PAT?
Dr. Carter: Like any treatment, PAT isn’t without risks. Psilocybin can induce intense emotional experiences, which might potentially be overwhelming for some individuals. That’s why it’s crucial that PAT is conducted in a controlled, clinical setting with trained professionals. Additionally, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects and to identify which patients are most likely to benefit.
Archyde: How do you see the future of psychedelic therapy evolving?
Dr. Carter: I believe we’re on the cusp of a paradigm shift in mental health care. Psychedelic therapy has the potential to address conditions that have been historically difficult to treat, such as treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. As research continues, I hope to see PAT integrated into mainstream medicine, with clear guidelines and protocols to ensure safety and efficacy.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Carter,for sharing your insights. It’s clear that psilocybin-assisted therapy holds immense promise for revolutionizing mental health treatment.
Dr.Carter: Thank you. It’s an exciting time for the field, and I’m hopeful about the positive impact this therapy can have on patients’ lives.
End of interview
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