Depression Treatment: The 5-year Lasting Effects of a Single Dose of Psilocybin

Psilocybin(Magic mushroom), the psychoactive component found in certain mushrooms, has been gaining attention in recent years as a potential treatment for depression. While traditional antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) have been the mainstay of treatment for depression for decades, they often come with a host of side effects and don’t work for everyone. Psilocybin, on the other hand, has been shown to have a rapid and lasting effect on depression with minimal side effects.

Depression is a complex mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. It affects an estimated 264 million people worldwide, and is the leading cause of disability globally. Despite the prevalence of depression, current treatments are not always effective and can take weeks or even months to work. Additionally, many people with depression do not respond to traditional antidepressants, and the side effects can be severe.

Psilocybin, also known as “magic mushrooms,” has been used for centuries in traditional healing practices and spiritual ceremonies. Recent studies have shown that psilocybin may be an effective treatment for depression, with some patients experiencing a rapid and lasting improvement in symptoms. Psilocybin works by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain, which leads to changes in brain activity and can result in an improvement in mood.

One of the most promising studies on psilocybin for depression treatment was conducted by Imperial College London in 2016. The study included 12 patients with treatment-resistant depression, meaning they had not responded to traditional antidepressants. The patients received a single dose of psilocybin and were followed for three weeks. At the end of the study, all 12 patients experienced a significant reduction in depression symptoms, and five of the patients no longer met the criteria for depression.

Additionally, a study by John Hopkins Medicine in 2018, where they tested Psilocybin on 51 patients with major depressive disorder, found that after just one dose of Psilocybin, patients reported a significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, with these effects lasting for up to four weeks.

Another study by the University of South Florida in 2020, found that Psilocybin combined with psychotherapy led to a significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with treatment-resistant depression.

While these studies are promising, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential of psilocybin as a treatment for depression. However, these findings suggest that psilocybin could be a safe and effective alternative to traditional antidepressants for people with treatment-resistant depression.

One of the benefits of psilocybin as a treatment for depression is that it is non-habit-forming and has minimal side effects compared to traditional antidepressants. The most common side effects of psilocybin are nausea, dizziness, and confusion, but these are usually short-lived and disappear within a few hours of taking the drug. Additionally, unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or months to take effect, the effects of psilocybin can be seen within hours.

Another benefit of psilocybin therapy is the potential for lasting change. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can only manage symptoms, psilocybin therapy can help patients gain insight into the underlying causes of their depression. The experience of a psilocybin trip can be intense and emotional, and patients often report feeling a sense of connectedness and understanding of themselves and their problems.

Psilocybin therapy is still considered experimental and is not yet available as a treatment option for depression.