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A new long-term study suggests that the benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy — often called “magic mushroom therapy” — may last far longer than researchers once thought. Five years after receiving psilocybin in a small, controlled therapy setting, two-thirds of participants (12 people) were still in remission from major depressive disorder (MDD).
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For many people living with depression, current treatments such as antidepressants and talk therapy can take weeks to work and may not provide lasting relief. This new study found that people who took psilocybin as part of a guided therapy program experienced rapid improvements that lasted for years — a result researchers described as both “significant and sustained.”
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain mushrooms. In the body, it is converted into psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain — the same system targeted by many antidepressant medications.
Unlike daily antidepressants, psilocybin is typically given as one or two doses in a carefully supervised session that includes therapeutic support before, during, and after the experience.
Early research shows psilocybin may help ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
However, psilocybin remains a controlled substance in the United States. While several states have decriminalized it or launched clinical trials, it is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating depression.
The study followed 18 people from an earlier trial who received two doses of psilocybin combined with 13 hours of psychotherapy. The original study found significant depression symptom relief for up to one year. The follow-up study looked at what happened about five years later.
At the five-year mark, 67 percent of the 18 participants were still in remission — meaning they no longer met the criteria for major depression — and 67 percent showed a sustained clinical response (a lasting, meaningful improvement in symptoms).
Participants also reported long-term improvements in anxiety, daily functioning, and relationships. Many individuals described feeling more empathy, self-acceptance, and emotional openness years after treatment.
“Five years later, most people continued to view this treatment as safe, meaningful, important, and something that catalyzed an ongoing betterment of their life,” said lead author Dr. Alan Davis of Ohio State University.
No serious long-term side effects were reported in the study. Some participants noted short-term emotional sensitivity after treatment, and a few resumed antidepressants or other therapies during the follow-up period. Researchers emphasized that the small study size (24 people in the original trial and 18 in the follow-up study) means the findings need to be confirmed with larger studies.
Although research suggests psilocybin-assisted therapy can be safe when conducted under professional supervision, it also carries real risks — especially outside a controlled setting. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), psilocybin experiences can be unpredictable and may vary based on a person’s mindset, mental health, and surroundings.
According to the NCCIH, adverse effects from psilocybin can include:
NCCIH cautions that psilocybin is not safe for people with psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or severe forms of bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
For these reasons, NCCIH emphasizes that psilocybin should only be taken under the supervision of trained therapists in a controlled environment, where both the person’s mental state and the setting are carefully managed.
This study adds to growing evidence that new treatment approaches — including psychedelic-assisted therapy — could play a role in the future of depression care. For now, these therapies are available only through approved research programs or in limited clinical settings.
If you’re living with depression, talk with your healthcare team about treatment options available today, including medications, therapy, and other supportive approaches. Together, you can find a plan that aligns with your symptoms, preferences, and long-term goals.
Learn about eight lifestyle changes that can help ease depression.
On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with depression, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you considered or tried psilocybin therapy as part of your treatment journey? Let others know in the comments below.
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