Magic Mushrooms may work better than Antidepressants

In a study from the Centre for Psychedelic Research of the Imperial College in London, psilocybin (the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms) appeared to have greater benefits for depression compared to escitalopram, a commonly-prescribed antidepressant.

In this study, 59 adults with moderate to severe depression were divided into two groups. One received a single dose of psilocybin while the other group was treated with escitalopram for 6 weeks. Depressive symptoms improved in both groups, even up to 6 months after treatment. However, the psilocybin group showed greater improvements in social functioning and psychological connectedness.

Psilocybin can be found in more than 200 species of fungi. Magic mushrooms have been used in religious and spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years. Cave paintings show that psilocybin mushroom use predates recorded history. The Tassili Mushroom Figure, dating back to 5000 to 7000 BC, is believed to depict how psilocybin transforms the user. Magic mushrooms have deep importance to indigenous Mesoamerican peoples for millennia.

Psilocybin acts predominantly on the serotonin system, with some effects on dopamine and glutamate as well. Its effects on the serotonergic system likely explains its benefits for mood and wellbeing. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which must be taken daily for several weeks, a single dose of psilocybin can have long-term benefits for mood. While psilocybin is a promising treatment for mood disorders, there are possible adverse effects, including paranoia, anxiety, panic, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, mania, depersonalization, and visual disturbances. As such, more research is needed to determine the safest and most effective dosing schedule in humans.