A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can effectively reduce symptoms of depression among clinicians who provided front-line COVID-19 care during the pandemic. The therapy resulted in significant reductions in depression, with an average decline of 21.33 points on a rating scale, compared to an average reduction of 9.33 points for those who received a placebo.
Conducted by researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine, the double-blind, randomized clinical trial involved 30 clinicians from across the United States who met criteria for providing front-line pandemic care. The participants were chosen through lottery and underwent either psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy or a placebo treatment.
Lead investigator Dr. Anthony Back noted that the findings provide evidence that guided psilocybin therapy is “dramatically different” than conventional psychotherapy. Participants reported feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from their patients, and struggling with feelings of burnout and despair.
One participant, emergency department physician assistant Rachel Drayer, said that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy helped her feel calm and peaceful, allowing her to approach her work with a new sense of clarity and compassion. The study’s results provide hope for clinicians who have been experiencing emotional distress during the pandemic.
The research was funded by several foundations, including the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Usona Institute, Cybin, Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation, and Riverstyx Foundation.
Source: https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/psilocybin-therapy-helps-clinicians-process-covid-despair