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Psychedelics No More Effective Than Antidepressants for Depression

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

A JAMA Psychiatry review finds that psychedelic drugs do not outperform traditional antidepressants in treating major depression.
The analysis compared 16 open-label antidepressant trials with eight psychedelic-assisted therapy trials, and both produced significant improvements.
Researchers say any perceived benefit of psychedelics may reflect patients' knowledge they were receiving a drug.
Balázs Szigeti, a senior researcher, said fair comparisons are needed.

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Story summary

A JAMA Psychiatry review finds that psychedelic drugs do not outperform traditional antidepressants in treating major depression.
The analysis compared 16 open-label antidepressant trials with eight psychedelic-assisted therapy trials, and both produced significant improvements.
Researchers say any perceived benefit of psychedelics may reflect patients' knowledge they were receiving a drug.
Balázs Szigeti, a senior researcher, said fair comparisons are needed.