Anxiety disorders — including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and end-of-life anxiety — are being studied across multiple psychedelic substances. Definium Therapeutics' LSD analogue MM-120 showed strong Phase 2 results for generalized anxiety disorder. Psilocybin shows particular promise for existential anxiety in cancer patients, with landmark trials at NYU and Johns Hopkins demonstrating rapid and lasting relief.
Unlike traditional anxiolytics that require ongoing daily use, psychedelic-assisted therapy aims to address anxiety at a psychological root level. Researchers hypothesize that the altered state allows patients to reprocess fear responses and gain new perspectives on anxiety-provoking situations.
What clinical research has shown for Anxiety, with citations to the studies behind each finding
In a phase 2b trial of 198 adults with generalized anxiety disorder, a single dose of MM120 (lysergide, a form of LSD) showed a dose-dependent benefit. At the optimal 100 µg dose, 65% responded and 48% reached remission at 12 weeks.
In a randomized trial at NYU, a single psilocybin session with psychotherapy produced rapid, substantial reductions in anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer, with benefits still evident at long-term follow-up.
These summaries are for general education, not medical advice. Most psychedelic therapies remain investigational and are not yet approved — always consult a qualified clinician.
10 trials currently recruiting
University of Washington
Definium Therapeutics US, Inc.
Definium Therapeutics US, Inc.
Cybin IRL Limited
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Joshua Woolley, MD, PhD
Organizations with active anxiety research programs