Scientists have proposed treating depression with psilocybin, an active compound found in many types of mushrooms. Research has shown that it is as effective as an antidepressant, according to The Guardian.
The most common type of antidepressant is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs have their drawbacks, in particular, side effects in the form of headaches, lethargy, and mood swings. Long-term effects are possible, including persistent fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, and decreased libido.
In addition, antidepressants are not instantaneous. It may take up to six weeks before the patient feels the effect. Over time, the positive effects of drugs weaken, and for some patients, they do not help from the very beginning.
The authors of the new study decided to look for new ways to treat depression. They recruited 59 volunteers and divided them into two groups. One was given an antidepressant and small amounts of psilocybin, the other was given psilocybin and a placebo. Both groups also received psychological support throughout the process.
The results after six weeks showed that representatives of both groups feel about the same, that is, “magic mushrooms” were no less effective than medications.
But we must not forget that antidepressants do not start working right away. Scientists suggested that after a few more weeks, the condition of patients from the first group could significantly improve. They also emphasized that the study participants were under the supervision of qualified professionals and received psychotherapy.
“We firmly believe that the psychotherapeutic component is just as important as the effect of the drug,” said Robin Carhart-Harris, a neurologist at Imperial College London.
The study authors noted that science still does not know much about the effect of a psychoactive substance from mushrooms on human physiology. It affects the serotonin pathways in the brain, but if antidepressants dull emotions, psilocybin, on the other hand, strengthens emotional connections. But how exactly this happens is still unclear.
Recall that in Russia psilocybin mushrooms are classified as narcotic drugs, their circulation is prohibited. Criminal liability is provided for violations. The relevant provisions are set out in Articles 231, 228, 228.1, 229, 229.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
