Balazs Szigeti: Unblinding Effects in Psychedelic Research

About this episode

Dr. Balazs Szigeti discusses his research on the effectiveness of psychedelics compared to traditional medications for treating depression.

For the third time, Joe and Rolf talk to Dr. Balazs Szigeti about psychedelics for the treatment of depression. This time, Balazs discusses his recent paper that shows an equivalence between psychedelics and traditional medications in effectiveness for treating depression. This is surprising, given the size of effects that have been demonstrated in some early psychedelic trials, and can be accounted for, in part, by patient expectations. Williams ZJ, Barnett H, Szigeti B. Psychedelic Therapy vs Antidepressants for the Treatment of Depression Under Equal Unblinding Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online March 18, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.4809

People in this episode

Hosts: Joe, Rolf

Guest: Dr. Balazs Szigeti

Topics covered

• psychedelics
• depression treatment
• patient expectations
• mental health
• research findings

Keywords

• psychedelics
• depression
• treatment
• research
• meta-analysis
• patient expectations
• effectiveness

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: JAMA Psychiatry

Books & works: Psychedelic Therapy vs Antidepressants for the Treatment of Depression Under Equal Unblinding Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis