2024-09-24 14:33:17
A study of European College of Neuropsychopharmacology have shown that psilocybin, the active ingredient in the ‘magic mushroom’, offers long-term antidepressant effects similar to those of standard SSRI antidepressants, with additional benefits on overall well-being.
The research, presented in ECNP Parliament in Milan, compared the effects of psilocybin with the antidepressant escitalopram in patients with moderate to severe depression over a six-month period.
Taken by researcher Tommaso Barba, from Imperial College LondonThe study showed that both treatments reduced symptoms of depression similarly. However, Patients who received psilocybin experienced significant improvements in their social well-beingwith a greater meaning in life and a good psychological connection. These effects were maintained during the six-month follow-up.
“This is the first work that compares the long-term effects of these two drugs, not only in relieving depression symptoms, but also in general well-being,” explained Barba.
In addition, previous research has shown that psilocybin improves sex drive, unlike SSRIs, which often reduce sex drive. libido.
The study included 59 patients, of which 30 received a single dose of psilocybin, while 29 were treated with escitalopram for six weeks. Both groups received the same psychological support. Despite overall improvements in both groups, patients who took psilocybin showed greater improvement in social and psychological functioning.
The lead author of the study, David EritzoeThe deputy director of the Center for Psychedelic Research at the Imperial University, showed that these results could offer a more advanced way to treat depression, addressing both the symptoms and the general well-being of the patients. the patient
Experimental drug
However, Erritzoe cautioned that psilocybin is still an experimental drug and is only administered in controlled settings. Recreational use of psychedelics carries risks, especially for vulnerable people with mental health issues.
Despite the promising results, more research is still needed to determine if psilocybin will be approved as a treatment for depression. According to Professor Johan Lundberg of Karolinska Institute in Dubai (Sweden), this study is a significant improvement, although complementary analyzes and more information on other treatments during follow-up are missing.
Research suggests that psilocybin may become an alternative for patients who do not respond to traditional antidepressants, although it may not be suitable for everyone due to the cognitive changes it causes.
#Medicines #based #magic #mushrooms #similar #standard #antidepressants