Magic mushrooms make you a fun guy: Tests show shrooms help fight depression
Research finds Class A psychedelic substance curbs depression symptoms for up to three months
By SHAUN WOOLLER
18 May 2016
Patients reported decreased anxiety, increased optimism and an ability to enjoy things
MAGIC mushrooms have been used to successfully treat people suffering depression.
Patients were given a recreational dose of the active ingredient psilocybin, which is a Class A psychedelic substance.
Researchers found 25mg of psilocybin – equivalent to at least five shrooms – could fight off symptoms for more than three months.
Patients reported “mystical or spiritual-type experiences” as they “tripped” on the drug, scientists from Imperial College London report.
Study author Amanda Feilding said: “For the first time in many years, people who were at the end of the road with currently available treatments reported decreased anxiety, increased optimism and an ability to enjoy things.
“This is an unparalleled success and could revolutionise the treatment of depression.”
The pilot trial tested the drug in 12 patients with moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression, meaning they had failed to respond to two courses of antidepressants.
They were aged from 30 to 64 and had suffered an average of 18 years of depression, with no history of suicide attempts or psychosis.
The six men and six women were given a safety dose of 10mg of psilocybin to check for unintended reactions before returning one week later to take the stronger 25mg dose.
They were monitored at all times by two members of clinical staff, and took the Home Office approved pills while listening to soothing music.
MAGIC mushrooms have been used to successfully treat people suffering depression.
Patients were given a recreational dose of the active ingredient psilocybin, which is a Class A psychedelic substance.
Researchers found 25mg of psilocybin – equivalent to at least five shrooms – could fight off symptoms for more than three months.
Patients reported “mystical or spiritual-type experiences” as they “tripped” on the drug, scientists from Imperial College London report.
Study author Amanda Feilding said: “For the first time in many years, people who were at the end of the road with currently available treatments reported decreased anxiety, increased optimism and an ability to enjoy things.
“This is an unparalleled success and could revolutionise the treatment of depression.”
The pilot trial tested the drug in 12 patients with moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression, meaning they had failed to respond to two courses of antidepressants.
They were aged from 30 to 64 and had suffered an average of 18 years of depression, with no history of suicide attempts or psychosis.
The six men and six women were given a safety dose of 10mg of psilocybin to check for unintended reactions before returning one week later to take the stronger 25mg dose.
They were monitored at all times by two members of clinical staff, and took the Home Office approved pills while listening to soothing music.