Psilocybin associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-09-01 01:00

International

What does this mean?

Jump to: MultimediaAttachmentsExpert Reaction

A single dose of psilocybin, the psychedelic drug found in magic mushrooms, is associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression weeks after taking it, according to an international study. The team recruited 104 people with a major depressive disorder diagnosis, and randomised them to receive either a dose of psilocybin or a placebo accompanied by psychological support. Following up for 43 days, the researchers say the psilocybin group showed reduced depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group, and were less impaired by symptoms of depression than the placebo group. The researchers say this adds to early evidence that psilocybin could help treat depression.