Can A Magic-Mushroom Drug Treat Severe Depression?


A drug based on a compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms can improve the symptoms of severe depression for up to 12 weeks, a trial has shown. A 25mg tablet of psilocybin puts patients in a dreamlike state, making psychological therapy more likely to succeed. But the short-term side-effects could be frightening and support must always be on hand, the researchers said. Experts say larger studies with a much longer follow-up are still needed. Scientists have been studying the effects of psilocybin on mental-health disorders for years. Recent studies have been promising but too short to assess lasting effects. What are your thoughts LiveTribers? Can a magic-mushroom drug treat severe depression?

Posted by on 30 Nov 2022

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  • [0] [0]
    MS

    How real is some depression? It seems to be epidemic these days. Good excuse to get out of taking responsibility for your own life. Most of its just a person not coping with stress. Drugs are not the answer in most cases.

    Posted by MS on 14 Aug 2023
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  • [0] [0]
    Ashley...

    I suppose it could help in some cases, but you should always the proven drugs and therapy first.

    Posted by Ashley... on 26 Jan 2023
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  • [0] [1]
    tassiegirl

    I would be willing to try it if it was more tested. I would try it for only a short amount of time and under medical supervision.

    Posted by tassiegirl on 01 Jan 2023
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  • [0] [0]
    kendallx3

    Not something I would consider, until all necessary tests have been done.

    Posted by kendallx3 on 01 Jan 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    Jigsaw

    Sounds like an excuse just to use mushrooms !

    Posted by Jigsaw on 01 Jan 2023
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  • [0] [0]
    Jay

    anything has its positive and negative side, it all depends on perceptions and usage, so I guess it can be used for depression.

    Posted by Jay on 01 Jan 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    Jibberman

    I doubt it but it could mask the problem for a time which is helpful but overall not effective.

    Posted by Jibberman on 01 Jan 2023
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  • [2] [0]
    Anita

    Treating depression and trauma with psychedelics is not a new phenomenon It was trialled in the sixties until the governments found people were thinking for them selves and prohibited further studies

    Posted by Anita on 13 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [1]
    squeekums1

    in the right circumstances yes, along with LSD and MDMA

    Posted by squeekums1 on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    jvonne

    I think it could but it has to be monitored and selection of patients has to be very carefully done

    Posted by jvonne on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [2] [0]
    Jenny

    l do not think it would lot of more rubbish being pumped into your body .To me it would be no different to some one going out and smoking pot .Does that help any one ??????

    Posted by Jenny on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [1]
    Anita

    You realise this has been studied back in the sixties with positive results it was government that stopped it as they did not want people to think outside the box and have a mind of their own. Sound a little familiar with all the censored information now

    Posted by Anita on 13 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [1]
    Jenni

    I haven't tried it but I don't see why it couldn't help. It sounds like the research is promising if its only in its early stages

    Posted by Jenni on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Sandrag

    Who knows yet? Obviously further testing is required.

    Posted by Sandrag on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Stella del Mattino

    It might help, who knows? We need consistent clinical studies and controlled trials, but I do not see it happening anytime soon. Some deeply rooted patterns of pharmaceutical interests may be an obstacle. Also, when talking about alternative drugs, most people giggle and wink right-away, hinting to recreational party drugs to get loose and uninhibited, and that's far beyond the point. I think we need more education.

    Posted by Stella del Mattino on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    alookitoo

    Such drugs may help with mental health, however excessive use or abuse could easily take life away. Before reaching to any conclusion broad and reliable research.

    Posted by alookitoo on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [2] [0]
    pinky princess

    I find this a very dangerous idea. Giving an addictive drug to a depressed person is irresponsible. And as is stated, the side effects could be frightening. It is well known that the suggested drug has some horrific consequences for some people and any such therapy would need strenuous monitoring and control of the patient. And as it is not assured of long term success the risk is too high.. I say No to this concept.

    Posted by pinky princess on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [2] [0]
    donna26jack

    Putting someone in a dream like state for weeks just seems like a cover up. What other side effects could come from this?

    Posted by donna26jack on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [2] [0]
    Alex!20

    There is some evidence that the use of cannabis may lead to the onset of depression; and there is also strong evidence that depression may lead to the onset or increase in the frequency of cannabis use.

    Posted by Alex!20 on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Joy

    It cannot be determined whether this drug should be used to treat depression until large, controlled clinical studies of adequate size and duration are completed and show that the treatment is safe and effective.

    Posted by Joy on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Geoff

    I do not see much point in adding another problem to one that already exists I am sure there are better ways to help people with depression than this

    Posted by Geoff on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Carol

    It scares me when options like this are considered. I feel a bowl of yummy fruit like cherries, mangoes, peaches, berries and good company could do the same

    Posted by Carol on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Ana

    It could be a good option if other treatments have failed, provided the patient is carefully monitored during treatment.

    Posted by Ana on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    sabbycat

    If the short-term side effects are frightening then the trial needs to be highly supervised for me the risk versus outcome would be a factor in supporting it or not.

    Posted by sabbycat on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [1]
    Shütey

    I’m all for this

    Posted by Shütey on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Joshua

    The answer is in the detail. Why would I trust a drug which has short-term side effects that could be 'frightening'. No thank you, especially when the consumer is already in a dreamlike state.

    Posted by Joshua on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    yelsha42

    It's not something I would try

    Posted by yelsha42 on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Ally42

    Probably only short term, but don't really think it would be enough for severe cases.

    Posted by Ally42 on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [1]
    Gayle

    I have seen various plant life being analyzed and trialled with great help experienced by people with severe PTSD, Psychogenics, Psychotropic and Psychodelics are showing great signs of helping people go deep into the events that have resulted in PTSD, Depression etc when standard treatment only touches the surface. So my feeling is that these conditions are horrendous and if alternative methods can be refined and used under constant supervision and are helpful in regaining a life healed from these nightmare conditions then compassion says to do everything possible to make them a viable and affordable option

    Posted by Gayle on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Turbotom

    As a temporary fix only, drugs cat solve the underlying issue thats what needs to be fixed

    Posted by Turbotom on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Spiderwoman

    Psilocybin is not manufactured by Big Pharma, Market Guru, so no profits for them - and it is not something a GP could just prescribe - trained therapists need to stay with the person for the duration of the "trip".

    Posted by Spiderwoman on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    GcW

    Yes, as it has been proven

    Posted by GcW on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Market guru

    no way pharma companies just want to make a profit from unproven unsafe drugs and gps reach for the presciption pad to fix all issues and not recognize under lying issues that cause depression.

    Posted by Market guru on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Rachel

    Obviously more study needs to be done. Need to know long term side affects and not just short term side effects

    Posted by Rachel on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    verityspirit

    i believe more study is needed in this area

    Posted by verityspirit on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [2]
    PATRICIA

    Nothing but good things to say about "Magic Mushrooms".

    Posted by PATRICIA on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [1]
    Chippy Minton

    I have been using this drug for the past 30 years and I am just great.

    Posted by Chippy Minton on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Chippy Minton

    I think it is a great way to get your head straight.

    Posted by Chippy Minton on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [1]
    Sarah

    I think more research should be done with a larger group of people as if this confirms true that magic mushroomed can treat severe desperation then that could be life changing for many people around the world. I would definitely support this!

    Posted by Sarah on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    tassiegirl

    I am not sure about this. Some people may try this, but I am not sure I would go for this. There would have to be more research and more trials to make sure it is safe. I am not sure it would be good for your brain.

    Posted by tassiegirl on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Kittykato

    Anything is possible but I don't think I'd be lining up for it!

    Posted by Kittykato on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [1]
    KMB80

    I think if it takes your mind off of being sad, then job done

    Posted by KMB80 on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Alex!20

    Everyone responds differently to different drugs, so this could help some people.

    Posted by Alex!20 on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    dizee06

    saw this as a subject in a couple of television shows recently and this was a real eye opener because I'd only ever thought of magic mushies as being a drug. But after seeing this I think we should at least give it a go under the right clinical conditions

    Posted by dizee06 on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [2]
    Norman

    Since cannabis is helpful for depression i would expect this to work in the same way.

    Posted by Norman on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [2] [0]
    Joy

    What is the evidence that cannabis is helpful in depression? A recent peer-reviewed paper reports that observational and epidemiological studies have not indicated a positive long-term effect of cannabis use on the course and outcome of depression. There is a growing body of evidence pointing to the co-occurrence of cannabis use and depression. There is some evidence that the use of cannabis may lead to the onset of depression; and there is also strong evidence that depression may lead to the onset or increase in the frequency of cannabis use. Feingold, D & Weinstein, A. Cannabis and depression. Adv Exp Med Biol 2021;1264:67-80.

    Posted by Joy on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [1]
    Richard

    If the research is successful then I see no reason it should not be used

    Posted by Richard on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Sue

    It's possible, but more research would have to be done. And NOT on animals, please. That would be extremely cruel.

    Posted by Sue on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Stella del Mattino

    Yes! More research, and never animal-tested!

    Posted by Stella del Mattino on 05 Dec 2022
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  • [2] [0]
    Lenore

    My friends and I tried magic mushrooms decades ago for recreative purposes. It was awful, I hated the hallucinatory effect it had on my mind, and the thought of taking them again is like my worst nightmare. It’s a definite no from me.

    Posted by Lenore on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [2]
    RED770

    Yes it probably can, I think any hallucinogenic drugs would decrease the symptoms of depression

    Posted by RED770 on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [2] [0]
    Carol

    Wow, not for me or any of mine.

    Posted by Carol on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    merryl

    This is interesting and I'd like to see what happens in future trials. Everyone responds differently to different drugs, so this could help some people.

    Posted by merryl on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Daniel

    Maybe it is effective for one person, maybe others no

    Posted by Daniel on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    tutti_cutie

    Wouldn't be surprised

    Posted by tutti_cutie on 02 Dec 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Paula

    I don't know but it's a shame that humans have to be guinea [pigs.

    Posted by Paula on 01 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [1]
    Wisetmatta

    Yes and I am living proof of this

    Posted by Wisetmatta on 01 Dec 2022
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  • [1] [2]
    Ke11ie

    Definitely. It's natural, has proven results, is not addictive, and isn't Big Pharma

    Posted by Ke11ie on 01 Dec 2022
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  • [3] [0]
    Mollllllly

    i think the use of drugs can lead to too many negative outcomes. ive experience some first hand and it was the worst time of my life. there are so many route to go down with mental health and i do no think drug use should be one of them

    Posted by Mollllllly on 01 Dec 2022
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  • [2] [0]
    Ann

    I think it would only be a temporary solution. Long tern studies should be carried out to see it is viable

    Posted by Ann on 30 Nov 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    Another Gilly

    There are some really interesting studies happening. My family are watching very closely as we have a family member whose benefit from new insights

    Posted by Another Gilly on 30 Nov 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    Spiderwoman

    The research I have read to date indicates that the results are by far better than any of the current treatment options (admittedly this is a low bar). I am glad that they are carrying out further research of psilocybin for depression - and also in assisting people to manage their lives following a terminal illness diagnosis - as well as to treat cluster headache. I will follow the clinical trials closely.

    Posted by Spiderwoman on 30 Nov 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    minxie

    I think a lot more research would need to be done. People with depression would, preferable, still need to be able to function in every day life, and why are we depressed in the first place? As the saying goes 'treat the cause not the symptom'.

    Posted by minxie on 30 Nov 2022
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  • [0] [0]
    mact

    Don't know about it's long term effects but it seems in the short term it will take your mind of your problems rather like...... alcohol, THC, Kava......see a common denominator emerging here!?

    Posted by mact on 30 Nov 2022
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  • [1] [0]
    ere

    It's only a trial. Ask me the same question in 4 or 5 years It's much too early to give a definitive answer based on such a probable very small sample of the general population.

    Posted by ere on 30 Nov 2022
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