A SINGLE DOSE OF PSILOCYBIN RELIEVES DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY FOR 6 MONTHS, ACCORDING TO NEW STUDY

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AN INVESTIGATION THAT COULD CHANGE THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY SHOWED THAT A DOSE OF PSILOCYBIN RELIEVED CANCER PATIENTS OF THEIR DEPRESSION AND / OR ANXIETY

Psilocybin, the active substance of “magic mushrooms”, is currently presented as a valuable medicine, capable of helping in the treatment of different conditions, including various addictions and psychological conditions. A study a couple of years ago showed that psilocybin is 80% effective as a smoking cessation treatment, 50% more than any other method known to date.

The main field of study of psilocybin in recent times is with terminal patients. In this the Johns Hopkins University is the pioneer and has recently released a new investigation that could be historical.

The results of the study, in which 79 cancer patients participated, are yet to be published in the Journal of Pyschopharmacology and constitute the strongest evidence that a single dose of psilocybin can relieve depression and anxiety for at least 6 months in patients with said suffering.

In the investigation, patients received a minimum dose per control and a high dose. The results showed that 6 months later, 78% of the patients were less depressed than they had been according to clinical evaluation and 83% less anxious. 65% had almost completely recovered from depression and 57% from anxiety. By comparison, antidepressants have only helped 40% of cancer patients, a figure similar to placebo. After 6 months 2/3 of the group believed that this experience had been among the five most significant of his life. They attributed the benefits to having found meaning in life.

Scientists still do not know how psilocybin produces these changes in the brain, there lies the “magic” of fungi and may not have a neural mechanism itself but is a benefit in a change of attitude and meaning, an operation of mind on matter 

Obviously, it will be necessary to replicate these studies with patients who do not have cancer, but although the level of effectiveness may decrease, it is highly likely that psilocybin will in any way outperform antidepressants, which is a huge threat to pharmaceutical companies since This substance provides benefits with a single dose.

Jeffrey Lieberman and Daniel Shalev hit the spot on this issue when they point out: “Current laws, not evidence-based, prevent research with difficult storage and security requirements, which makes it very difficult to obtain funds.”

It is relevant to remember what Giorgio Samorini said: “the drug phenomenon is a natural phenomenon, while the drug problem is a cultural problem.”

Update: FDA authorizes clinical trial for the treatment of depression with psilocybin

Source: pijamasurf

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