The Research
The Benefits of
Psilocybin
A growing body of clinical research points to meaningful therapeutic applications for psilocybin. Here's what the science currently says.
The information on this page is sourced from third-party academic research, peer-reviewed journals, and clinical trial reports. ShroomCo does not make any medical claims and is not responsible for the accuracy, interpretation, or outcomes described in these studies. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Individual results may vary.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
Multiple Phase 2 clinical trials have found that psilocybin-assisted therapy produces rapid, sustained reductions in depressive symptoms — including in patients who had not responded to conventional antidepressants.
Key Research
- Carhart-Harris et al. (2021) — New England Journal of Medicine. A double-blind, randomized trial comparing psilocybin with escitalopram (a leading SSRI) found comparable antidepressant effects, with psilocybin showing broader improvements in emotional processing and wellbeing.
- Davis et al. (2021) — JAMA Psychiatry. Two doses of psilocybin produced large, rapid, and sustained antidepressant effects in adults with major depressive disorder, with improvements maintained at 12-month follow-up.
- Goodwin et al. (2022) — New England Journal of Medicine. Phase 2b trial (n=233) demonstrated dose-dependent antidepressant response with a single 25mg dose.
Anxiety & End-of-Life Distress
Landmark trials at NYU and Johns Hopkins found that a single high-dose psilocybin session dramatically reduced anxiety and depression in cancer patients facing end-of-life, with effects lasting years.
Key Research
- Ross et al. (2016) — Journal of Psychopharmacology. NYU study found rapid, sustained relief of cancer-related existential distress, with 80% of participants showing clinically significant decreases in anxiety and depression at 6-month follow-up.
- Griffiths et al. (2016) — Journal of Psychopharmacology. Johns Hopkins trial showed 78% of participants rated the experience among the five most meaningful of their lives, with sustained reductions in demoralization and hopelessness.
Addiction & Substance Use
Pilot studies have shown striking results for addiction treatment — particularly tobacco and alcohol — in populations where conventional approaches have low success rates.
Key Research
- Johnson et al. (2014) — Journal of Psychopharmacology. Pilot study of psilocybin-assisted smoking cessation showed 80% abstinence at 6-month follow-up — far above the typical 35% for standard pharmacotherapy.
- Bogenschutz et al. (2015) — Journal of Psychopharmacology. Open-label study in alcohol use disorder showed significant reductions in drinking days and heavy drinking days following psilocybin treatment.
- Bogenschutz et al. (2022) — JAMA Psychiatry. Randomized controlled trial confirmed psilocybin's efficacy for alcohol use disorder, with 48% of the psilocybin group showing no heavy drinking days vs. 24% for placebo at 32 weeks.
OCD & Anxiety Disorders
Early research suggests psilocybin may interrupt rigid, compulsive thought patterns and reduce anxiety across a range of conditions.
Key Research
- Moreno et al. (2006) — Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Pilot study found marked acute reductions in OCD symptoms following psilocybin, with some participants showing sustained improvement.
- Kraehenmann et al. (2015) — Neuropsychopharmacology. Low-dose psilocybin reduced amygdala reactivity to negative stimuli, suggesting a potential mechanism for anxiety reduction.
Neuroplasticity & Cognitive Flexibility
Preclinical and imaging research suggests psilocybin promotes neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to form new connections — and disrupts rigid default mode network activity associated with rumination and fixed thinking patterns.
Key Research
- Ly et al. (2018) — Cell Reports. Psilocybin and other psychedelics promoted structural and functional neuroplasticity in cortical neurons, increasing dendritic spine density.
- Carhart-Harris et al. (2017) — Scientific Reports. fMRI studies showed psilocybin reduces default mode network activity and increases global brain connectivity, creating a more flexible and integrated neural state.
- Smigielski et al. (2019) — NeuroImage. Single-dose psilocybin increased mindfulness-related capabilities and psychological flexibility at 4-month follow-up.
Wellbeing & Openness
Beyond clinical populations, research on healthy subjects has found lasting increases in psychological wellbeing, life satisfaction, and the personality trait of openness to experience.
Key Research
- MacLean et al. (2011) — Journal of Psychopharmacology. A single high-dose psilocybin session produced lasting increases in the personality domain of openness — a trait that typically declines with age — with changes persisting at 14-month follow-up.
- Griffiths et al. (2011) — Psychopharmacology. Healthy volunteers showed sustained improvements in positive mood, life satisfaction, and altruistic/social behavior up to 14 months post-session.
Where the Research Stands Today
FDA Breakthrough Therapy
Psilocybin has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for both treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, expediting the development and review process.
Major Institutions
Active research programs at Johns Hopkins, NYU, UCSF, Imperial College London, and dozens of other leading institutions are currently conducting Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials.
Colorado Prop 122
Colorado voters passed Proposition 122 in 2022, recognizing the therapeutic and personal use potential of psilocybin and establishing a framework for regulated access.