Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder

Scientists from Monash University in Melbourne, in partnership with the pharmaceuticalcompany Incannex, conducted a Phase II clinical study investigating the effect of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The research was conducted from May 2022 to February 2024, involving 73 participants diagnosed with GAD.
Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the placebo group. The experimental group received psilocybin treatment on two occasions, while the placebo group received diphenhydramine, an antihistamine with sedative effects. In both cases, participants underwent individual psychotherapy consisting of nine sessions with two qualified psychotherapists. After completing the treatment, all participants were assessed for anxiety levels using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, as well as other testing methods, including various self-assessment tests and measurements of physical symptoms.
Testing results showed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms for the experimental group compared to the placebo group, as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale after 11 weeks from the start of the study. As many as 43% of participants who received psilocybin exhibited significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, compared to 10% in the control group.
Furthermore, 27% of those in the experimental group achieved complete remission of anxiety symptoms post-treatment, compared to only 5% in the control group.
In addition to efficacy, the study also evaluated the safety of psilocybin as a treatment. Aside from mild side effects such as headaches and nausea, there were no severe adverse effects reported. Scientists from the Monash University Psychedelic Clinical Research Laboratory are conducting further long-term studies on the application of psilocybin in treating anxiety disorders, as well as its impact on the ability to provide psychotherapy.

A publication related to the aforementioned research is currently being prepared,

and additional information can be found on the Monash University website.

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In Serbia, the use of psychedelics is illegal under the Law on Psychoactive Controlled Substances. This law prescribes the regulation and prohibition of the possession, production, distribution, marketing and use of psychoactive substances, including psychedelics. In accordance with the current legislation in Serbia, the use of psychedelics is considered illegal and is not supported by our organization.