A new study suggests that psilocybin therapy — a treatment using the active ingredient in magic mushrooms — could provide lasting relief from depression, with benefits still present five years after treatment.
Researchers found that two-thirds of participants from an early clinical trial remained in complete remission from major depressive disorder years after receiving psilocybin alongside psychotherapy.
The findings were published in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies and are raising hopes for long-term treatment options for people struggling with depression.
How the Study Was Conducted
The original trial involved 24 adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder, all of whom received two doses of psilocybin in a controlled setting, along with guided psychotherapy sessions. At the time, participants showed a significant drop in depression symptoms.
In the five-year follow-up, 18 of the original participants took part in a detailed online survey assessing their:
- Depression and anxiety symptoms
- Emotional well-being
- Day-to-day functioning
- Long-term perceptions of the treatment
Key Results from the Five-Year Follow-Up
Lead researcher Dr. Alan Davis from Ohio State University shared several encouraging findings:
- 67% of participants were still in full remission from depression
- 58% were in remission at the one-year mark, meaning improvement continued over time
- Participants showed ongoing progress in mental health, emotional balance, and overall life satisfaction
- Even those who experienced some return of symptoms reported less severe impact on daily life
To be cautious, researchers assumed that the six people who didn’t respond had relapsed into depression — yet the overall results still showed a strong and lasting improvement.
Did Psilocybin Alone Cause the Improvement?
While the results are promising, the researchers were careful to point out that not all progress can be credited solely to the psilocybin therapy. Out of the 18 follow-up participants:
- Only three had no additional treatment since the original trial
- Others had used antidepressants, attended psychotherapy, or taken psychedelics again independently
However, many participants said the original psilocybin sessions helped change their outlook on depression, making it feel more manageable and less permanent.
Dr. Davis explained, “They believed that they had a greater capacity for positive emotions and enthusiasm, regardless of whether their depression returned or not.”
Therapist Support Made a Big Difference
An interesting insight from the study was that people who tried psychedelics on their own later did not find the experiences as helpful.
Many said that the presence of a trained therapist during the original trial made a big difference in how they processed the experience and applied it to their mental health.
This highlights the importance of structured, guided therapy when using psychedelics for treatment.
Small Study, But Big Hope
While the sample size of 24 people is small and the findings still need to be confirmed through larger studies, this research offers hope. Psilocybin therapy might not be a cure-all, but for some people, it could serve as a catalyst for lasting emotional healing.
Dr. Davis added, “Even if depression symptoms returned, people said they weren’t isolating or withdrawing like before. That speaks to the deep impact of the treatment.”
With more research underway, psilocybin could become a powerful new option in the fight against depression — especially for those who don’t respond well to traditional medications.
