'Magic mushrooms' could be the solution to severe depression, trials show

A compound found in a type of mushrooms can help improve the symptoms of severe depression for up to three months when combined with psychotherapy. A trial shows that a 25mg tablet of psilocybin can make psychological therapy more effective, raising hopes for people for whom existing antidepressants fail to work.

Magic mushrooms

The trial which is the largest clinical trial yet into psilocybin and depression was led by mental healthcare company, Compass Pathways. It was conducted in 22 locations across the UK, Europe and North America, yielding ‘exceptional’ results, according Prof Guy Goodwin, the chief medical officer at the firm.

The trial studied data from 233 participants who are among the over 100 million people globally with treatment-resistant depression. This group of people are more likely to experience physical illness, disability, hospitalization and suicide, the study explains.

Response rates in this group with treatment-resistant depression are usually between 10 and 20%. We are seeing remission rates at three weeks of about 30% … that is a very satisfactory outcome.

Not quite ready

The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that alongside the 25mg of psilocybin and psychotherapy, one in three of the participants were no longer diagnosed as depressed at three weeks, while one in five saw a significant improvement at 12 weeks, the BBC reports. Study author and consultant psychiatrist Dr James Rucker explained that the drug worked by putting patients in a dreamlike state, making psychological therapy more likely to succeed. He told BBC News

It can be very positive but it can also be negative. Difficult memories from the past can come up, for example, at the same time as feeling a reconnection with yourself and your feelings.

Some of the participants experienced headaches, nausea, extreme fatigue as well as suicide ideation as side effects of the drug. Although these are not uncommon, experts say more trials on bigger sample groups need to be conducted.

Sources used:

BBC: Magic-mushroom drug can treat severe depression, trial suggests

CNN: Severe depression eased by single dose of synthetic ‘magic mushroom’

The Guardian: Magic mushrooms’ psilocybin can alleviate severe depression when used with therapy