Study Explores Demand for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in U.S.
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 18, 2024 -- The demand for psilocybin-assisted therapy (PSIL-AT) for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) varies from 24 to 62 percent depending on the eligibility criteria, according to a study published online Sept. 13 in Psychedelics.
Syed F. Rab, M.D., from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, and colleagues estimated the number of U.S. patients with MDD, identified those in treatment, and examined who qualifies as having TRD to calculate the potential PSIL-AT demand for MDD and TRD. Using the exclusion criteria from the largest trials to date on PSIL-AT for MDD or TRD, a range of estimates was established.
The researchers note that due to disqualifying conditions, a considerable proportion of patients with MDD and TRD were ineligible for PSIL-AT. The percentage eligible was 24, 56, and 62 percent using lower-bound (stringent criteria), mid-range (focusing on likely real-world scenarios), and upper-bound (accounting for double counting for patients with multiple comorbidities) estimates. The removal of alcohol and substance use disorders as exclusion criteria largely influenced variance, as did removal of double counting from comorbid psychiatric and cardiovascular conditions.
"Our findings suggest that if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives the green light, psilocybin-assisted therapy has the potential to help millions of Americans who suffer from depression," Rab said in a statement. "This underscores the importance of understanding the practical realities of rolling out this novel treatment on a large scale."
One author disclosed ties to Sunstone Therapies; another author disclosed ties to Otsuka and Novartis.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted September 2024
Read this next
Higher Social Media Use Tied to Subsequent Depressive Symptoms in Youth
FRIDAY, May 23, 2025 -- Higher social media use is associated with greater subsequent depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, according to a study published online May 21...
Combinations of Chronic, Physical Illnesses Up the Risk of Subsequent Depression
WEDNESDAY, May 21, 2025 -- Certain groups of physical multimorbidity may be associated with a higher risk of subsequent depression, according to a study published online May 13...
Calorie Restrictions, Low-Fat Diets May Reduce Depressive Symptoms
MONDAY, May 19, 2025 -- Among adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk, calorie restrictions and low-fat diets may reduce depressive symptoms, according to a review published...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.