Study: Single Mushroom Dose Greatly Eases Depression

Bloomberg News reports:

A single dose of psilocybin can lead to a “rapid, robust, and sustained reduction” in symptoms of severe depression when taken in conjunction with psychotherapy, according to a new study. Patients across the US were given either a 25mg dose of the drug, found in magic mushrooms, or a B vitamin, before spending between seven and 10 hours with therapists. They were encouraged to cover their eyes and listen to a curated playlist during the session.

Afterward, they were invited to discuss their experiences with the same therapists. Depression levels were measured before treatment and five times during the following 43 days. Participants who received psilocybin showed a “clinically significant reduction in depressive symptoms,” and fared significantly better than those given the vitamin that served as a placebo, the study found. The benefit was maintained throughout the following six weeks.

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A single dose of psilocybin — the chemical found in magic mushrooms — reduced the symptoms of major depression in patients, according to a new study https://t.co/H57yb3Obgt

— Businessweek (@BW) August 31, 2023