Magic Mushrooms and Depression

Are you suffering from depression?

Do you have a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for a long time?

It’s important to remember that you are not alone. About five percent of the world’s population lives with depression.

About five percent of the world’s population lives with depression.

But lying beneath our feet may be a powerful remedy.

I want to share with you the results of a new study from Imperial College London discovered this:

Psilocybin, the active compound in “magic mushrooms ,” holds the potential to provide greater long-term relief from depression symptoms than traditional anti-depression medicines.

This promising discovery offers hope for those struggling with depression.

First, some thoughts on depression

Great Thinkers on Depression

First, Michael Pollan, the author of How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence:

“Depression is a response to past loss, and anxiety is a response to future loss.”

He adds this:

“R. D. Laing once said there are three things human beings are afraid of: death, other people, and their own minds.”

Of course, there is much reluctance to turn to psychedelics for the management of any medical condition.

Here is how psychedelic pioneer Dr. Timothy Leary framed the issue after Harvard forced him to put his psilocybin pills under Health Services’ control:

“Psychedelic drugs cause panic and temporary insanity in people who have not taken them.”

Background

We have several effective psychological treatments for depression, including the following:

• cognitive behavioral therapy
• interpersonal therapy
• problem-solving therapy
• behavioral activation.

Many of my patients find some success with medicines, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine.

However, many don’t respond to such interventions in the long term.

I am delighted to report positive results from a new clinical trial of the psychedelic psilocybin (the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms).

Magic Mushrooms Versus SSRIs: Study Findings

A new clinical trial compared the effectiveness of psilocybin therapy to a typical SSRI — escitalopram (Lexapro®).

The subjects had moderate to severe depression.

Here are the results:

Six weeks of intensive treatment with psilocybin matched SSRI in reducing depression symptoms. Moreover, psilocybin did better in improving psychosocial functioning, meaning in life, and social connectedness.

Study Implications — Magic Mushrooms Magic Mushrooms and Depression

The study suggests psilocybin therapy and traditional antidepressant treatment provide durable improvements and might work equally well in reducing depression symptoms long-term.

Interestingly, psilocybin may have an edge in mental well-being beyond depression; psilocybin appears to improve meaning in life and connectedness.

While antidepressant medicines have efficacy, some don’t respond, the drugs can have side effects, and the benefits may not persist after drug discontinuation.

Study Limitations – Magic Mushrooms and Depression

The study has some limitations, including the following:

• The study is small, rendering its power to detect small differences between the two treatments difficult.
• Some participants may have used additional interventions during the follow-up period.
• The researchers relied on self-reported assessments.

Alas, while the results are promising, psilocybin is not approved for medical use in the U.S.

A medical professional should supervise psilocybin administration.

Thank you for reading “Magic Mushrooms and Depression.”