Two new studies from NYU Langone Health suggest that psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, may offer significant mental health benefits for cancer patients and those with alcohol use disorder when combined with psychotherapy. The findings, published in Nature Mental Health and The American Journal of Psychiatry, reveal improvements in anxiety, depression, and personality traits.
Mental Health Benefits for Cancer Patients
A team of experts at NYU Langone Health analyzed data from two previous clinical trials involving 79 men and women with cancer. The trials used psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to address anxiety and depression. Participants were given either a large dose of psilocybin or a placebo (vitamin B3 or a tiny dose of psilocybin), followed by a switch in treatments after six or seven weeks. Psychotherapy sessions preceded and followed each dosing. The study found that psilocybin significantly reduced anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, anger, and physical symptoms associated with psychological distress, with improvements lasting up to six months.
"Our findings suggest that the mental health benefits of psilocybin therapy for cancer patients may reach far beyond what we have previously understood," said study lead author Dr. Petros Petridis, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
The study also concluded that psilocybin did not cause any lasting paranoia, psychosis, or phobia, adding to the growing evidence that it can be safely administered under close medical supervision.
Positive Personality Changes in Alcohol Use Disorder
In a separate study, researchers found that psilocybin therapy improved mental health for individuals with alcohol use disorder. Compared to those receiving a placebo, patients treated with psilocybin were significantly less impulsive, depressed, and vulnerable. They also became more "open" and accepting of their thoughts and emotions. These changes were observed seven months after the second dose of psilocybin.
The analysis examined personality changes in men and women participating in a previous clinical trial for alcohol dependence. Participants received two doses of either psilocybin or an antihistamine placebo, with psychotherapy before and after each session. The authors assessed 83 patients using a standard personality assessment before psychotherapy and again eight months after the first dose.
"Since 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," said study lead author Dr. Broc Pagni, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Notably, men were more likely to experience a boost of positive emotions, while women were more likely to see an increase in openness. However, further research is needed to understand these differences.
Future Research
Dr. Michael Bogenschutz, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the director of its Center for Psychedelic Medicine, noted that the study authors plan to explore whether the personality changes observed may also occur in psilocybin trials for opioid-use disorder.
It is important to note that in both studies, many participants could correctly guess whether they received psilocybin or a placebo. Researchers caution that psilocybin should only be used in controlled settings with medical and psychological evaluation and careful preparation due to its potential to raise blood pressure and heart rate and cause psychological effects.
