Psychedelics are emerging as a potential therapeutic option for managing anxiety and depression in cancer patients, according to a comprehensive review of clinical trials. The analysis, encompassing five randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, indicates that psychedelics may offer significant benefits for individuals who experience limited relief from conventional antidepressant medications.
The review, which assessed the role of psychedelics in treating anxiety or depression among patients with cancer, synthesized data from trials evaluating substances such as psilocybin, lysergic acid, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and ayahuasca. The findings revealed notable reductions in anxiety and depression scores across multiple assessment scales, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory.
Specifically, significant reductions were observed in two trials using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait scales, and in one trial using the Hamilton Rating Scale-Anxiety and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety. Furthermore, two trials demonstrated significant reductions in depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression and Beck Depression Inventory, with one additional trial showing similar results with the Hamilton Rating Scale-Depression.
"Psychedelics have a unique mechanism of action that might be well suited for treating anxiety and depression associated with cancer," the researchers noted. This novel approach is particularly relevant given the often-lackluster benefits observed with traditional antidepressants in this patient population. Notably, some studies reported clinically relevant reductions in anxiety and depression scores more frequently in psychedelic-treated patients compared to those receiving a placebo.
While the findings are promising, the researchers emphasized the limitations of the existing studies, including small sample sizes and methodological constraints. Additionally, some trials reported increases in blood pressure and heart rate among participants. The authors caution that further research is needed to fully elucidate the safety and efficacy of psychedelics in cancer patients.
Despite these limitations, the potential for even a few psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions to provide sustained relief—extending for 6 to 12 months or possibly longer—represents a significant advancement in the treatment of psychological distress in cancer patients. This approach may offer new hope for individuals who are not adequately treated with current antianxiety or antidepressant medications.
