Paper card · curated
Trial of psilocybin versus escitalopram for depression
Carhart-Harris R, Giribaldi B, Watts R, Baker-Jones M, Murphy-Beiner A, et al.
New England Journal of Medicine · 2021
Abstract excerpt
Phase II randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing two doses of psilocybin (25 mg × 2) plus 6 weeks of psychotherapy versus 6 weeks of escitalopram (10 mg/day, increased to 20 mg/day if tolerated) plus matched placebo psilocybin and matched psychotherapy in 59 patients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder. The primary outcome (QIDS-SR-16 change) showed numerical advantage for psilocybin but did not reach statistical significance under the pre-specified analysis. Secondary outcomes favored psilocybin. Both arms showed clinically meaningful improvement.
Excerpt from the published abstract. Full paper at the journal link below.
Joe's notes
How to read this paper
Important clinical-context paper. Psilocybin remains Schedule I federally; this is research-supply work conducted under regulatory exemption. Don't read this as a guide to consumer use — read it for the regulatory + clinical-pathway context.
Read the paper
FDA disclaimer
Research papers in this library describe published scientific findings. They are not therapeutic claims. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Compounds discussed in any paper are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a healthcare provider before making decisions about supplements.