Current research digest: most important psilocybin studies of the last 12 months
156 replies · News & Current Events
A lot of research is published but most people only see the press release version, which loses all the nuance. I want to do a community digest of the most important research from the past year with actual critical evaluation.
The Nature Medicine study on psilocybin for MDD (2022) remains the reference: 30% were in remission at 3 months after two sessions. Effect sizes much larger than typical antidepressants. But this was treatment-resistant MDD with careful patient selection. Extrapolating to general MDD requires caution.
The most underreported finding in recent research: the 'critical window' of neuroplasticity following psilocybin administration. Animal and some human data suggests heightened responsiveness to therapeutic input for days to weeks post-session. This is why the therapy model matters — the session isn't sufficient without the work that follows.
Publication bias reminder: studies showing positive results are more likely to be published. The registered trials with null or mixed results are less likely to make it to press releases. The published literature probably overestimates effect sizes. This doesn't mean the effects aren't real — they appear to be — but appropriate skepticism is warranted.
153 more replies — forum posting coming soon.