Therapy hours showed no clear association with psilocybin treatment outcomes
A review found no statistically significant relationship between therapy time and depression outcomes, but every included study provided some therapy alongside psilocybin.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The analysis did not detect a statistically significant relationship between therapy hours and depression outcomes at either shorter or longer follow-up. This does not show that therapy is unnecessary or that different amounts are equivalent. Because every included study provided therapy, the review cannot establish what outcomes would look like without it.
The authors identify small samples, variation between studies and poor descriptions of therapy. This abstract-based explanation also lacks exact follow-up intervals, limiting interpretation of when the reported outcomes were measured.
What researchers found
Therapy hours and depression outcomes
Across studies with different therapy hours, at both short-term and long-term follow-up; exact assessment intervals were not reported.
What the review asked
The research question concerned whether the amount of accompanying therapy was associated with depression outcomes. The researchers used meta-regression to examine that relationship across included studies, all of which supplied some therapy.
What remains uncertain
The authors cautioned that small samples, differences between studies and incomplete descriptions of the therapeutic component limited interpretation. They called for more rigorous methods and consistent reporting to clarify therapy's role.
The original publication
A dose of therapy with psilocybin - A meta-analysis of the relationship between the amount of therapy hours and treatment outcomes in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Hultgren J, Hafsteinsson MH, Brulin JG
Gen Hosp Psychiatry · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40782561
- Record checked
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