Psilocybin eases treatment-resistant depression in UK trial

A single dose of psilocybin significantly eased treatment-resistant depression in the first publicly funded trial, with 40% of patients achieving remission. Led by King’s College London, published in Nature Medicine, the study gave 25mg psilocybin or placebo to 60 patients. After three weeks, 43% responded and 40% remitted, versus 3%; responses rose to 56% by six weeks. Participants had failed at least two prior treatments and received psychological support. Researchers said psilocybin can be administered safely in community settings, advocating larger publicly funded trials.