Effect of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy on anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Alex Hood and Gary Elkins, evaluated 25 studies of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) and its effects on anxiety symptoms across a range of diagnoses.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Alex Hood and Gary Elkins, evaluated 25 studies of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) and its effects on anxiety symptoms across a range of diagnoses.

Key findings

• Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy was associated with substantial reductions in anxiety

• Results were highly heterogeneous

  The authors found considerable variation across studies in:

  • Psilocybin dose

  • Number of dosing sessions

  • Psychotherapy approach

  • Number of preparation and integration sessions

  • Timing of outcome assessments

  • Anxiety measurement scales used

• Evidence supports PAP as a potentially transdiagnostic treatment

• Study quality and representativeness were important limitations

• More rigorous trials are needed

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy appears to produce meaningful reductions in anxiety symptoms across a range of clinical populations, with a large overall improvement observed within treated participants. However, because existing studies differ substantially in design and quality, the evidence is encouraging rather than conclusive, and stronger trials are needed to determine how effective the treatment truly is and which treatment elements matter most.

Abstract

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is a novel, transdiagnostic treatment in which the 5-HT2A receptor agonist psilocybin is combined with psychotherapy. Studies to date have evaluated PAP's effects on depression, substance use, and end-of-life adjustment. Relatively less attention has been given to its effects on anxiety symptoms, which are highly comorbid with other psychiatric conditions and are a leading cause of global disability. This review systematically evaluated evidence for PAP's effects on anxiety symptoms across diagnoses, with attention to variations in interventional components across studies.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were completed in six databases and independent reviewers screened records. Study quality was assessed and data extracted on participant demographics and intervention features. Random-effects models estimated within- and between-group effects from baseline to primary endpoint.

Results

Twenty-five studies were determined eligible for inclusion. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in psychotherapy format, dosing, session structure, and outcome timing. Pooled results showed a large within-groups effect on anxiety after controlling for measurement artifacts (Hedge's g = 0.96) and a small between-groups effect (Hedge's g = 0.48). High heterogeneity persisted even after controlling for the influence of different anxiety measures and moderators related to intervention formulation and delivery.

Conclusions

PAP shows promise for reducing anxiety across primary diagnoses. However, variability in study quality, interventional design, sample representativeness, and high heterogeneity warrant caution in interpretation. More rigorous, high-quality trials with diverse populations are needed. Implications and directions for future research are summarized.

Hood A, Elkins G. Effect of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy on anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychedelic Stud. 2026. doi:10.1556/2054.2026.00507. Read Paper

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