Magic Mushrooms Can Cure Depression

Psilocybin mushrooms or also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, etc. is a popular recreational drug that is used for its hallucinogenic effect. It includes from the group of psychedelic drugs which can change your perception, mood, or even your usual thoughts. Even if it's illegal in most parts of the world, some people still try to get a hold of this drug.

Many people who experienced its effect are turning into this psychedelic drug to help them to cope with their lives. Some are even claiming that it made their mental health better after using this drug. However, it's still unclear if it can be used generally for therapy to treat depression. Some are already using psilocybin as one of the ingredients for treating depression.

Psilocybin: How Does It Treat Depression

Some clinical studies have shown that depressed patients were given two doses of psilocybin. Psychotherapy was also administered. The psychedelic therapy ends up to have long-lasting effects with just minimal side effects. Antidepressants are more addictive compared to psilocybin.

One of the reasons why psilocybin can treat depression is it has a mind-altering effect. It's said to be helpful for depressed individuals. Compared to ketamine, psilocybin has lower addictive properties and it can be beneficial for people who suffer from depression. It's also known to be used for cancer patients that serve as an antidepressant and anxiolytic.

History of Psilocybin

Psilocybin was used for religious rituals 6,000 years ago. There is some prehistoric rock art that was discovered in Spain. The natives of Mesoamerica use it for religious communion, divination, as well as healing. Until the present day, some still use magic mushrooms for their rituals.

During the modern era, Albert Hofmann discovered that magic mushrooms contain the compounds psilocybin and psilocin. It's also become popular around Mexico and magic mushrooms can also be found in some literary pieces in London Medical and Physical Journal in 1799. Then in 1955, the Wasson's participated in an indigenous mushroom ceremony.

How it is Currently Being Studied to Treat Mental Health (Depression)

Psilocybin is one of the main components of magic mushrooms. It was used for the religious, divination, and spiritual context of some indigenous cultures. But these days, shrooms are being used as a recreational drug. It's known to cause euphoria, peacefulness, spiritual awakening, derealization, and more. It can basically make anyone happy when they get exposed to psilocybin.

It's also known to treat depression in some cases. That's why it's being looked at if it will be possible to make this an alternative therapy for depression. Although magic mushrooms are illegal in most countries, some scientific research shows that it can be a treatment for depression. The Food and Drug Administration approves psilocybin as an ingredient to a trial drug for treatment-resistance individuals who suffer from depression.

The Benefits of Psilocybin

1. Treatment-Resistant Depression

Psilocybin is proven to be effective for treatment-resistant depression. Not all depressed people have the same reaction to their treatments. Some can be treated using traditional methods. But psilocybin can give others a kickstart to get out of their depressed state. It's necessary for those who can't be treated by various medicines and therapies.

2. Provides Lasting Results

In comparison with antidepressants, psilocybin can have long-lasting results. It can last up to five weeks by just getting two doses of psilocybin. It's very helpful for those individuals who are having issues to get back to their lives. Therefore, having a long-lasting effect can help them a lot.

3. It's Fast-Acting than Traditional Treatments

Traditional treatments can help overtime but psilocybin is known to take effect as little as just one week. Patients with depression can feel improvements in their emotional and mental state faster. Most antidepressants can improve their condition after a few weeks. That's why psilocybin is a better option.

4. Creates Emotional Connection

Psilocybin can help the patient to reconnect their emotions. Unlike most antidepressants, it will not provide flat or dull emotions. Using psilocybin as a treatment for depression makes the patient feel their emotions instead of avoiding them. This is better since depressed people can improve their coping mechanisms.

Why it Works and is Better than Traditional Medicine to Treat Depression

Magic mushroom or psilocybin can treat long time depression more effectively than antidepressants. It's even four times more effective than traditional medicine that is currently used to treat depression. Some research shows that 54% of patients don't show any symptoms of depression for four weeks.

Psilocybin also works better since it can be used as a therapy for those who are treatment-resistant. The effects can also last longer and it can provide faster results than antiperspirants. Unlike traditional medicine, psilocybin allows the patient to connect emotionally that's beneficial for the person's coping mechanism.

Positive Outlook of Psilocybin and Psychedelics Industry for Treating Mental Illness

Address Unresolved Needs for Mental Health

Psilocybin is a great medical breakthrough that should address the unmet needs for mental health. It can help a lot of people who are suffering from depression. That will also improve the declining mental health that can lead to suicide or untimely demise. Since it's proven effective, it's best to use psilocybin for depressed patients so that they can go back with their lives.

Merging of Psychedelic and Clinic

The psychedelic effect of psilocybin can be merged into psychotherapy. It will be a good combination to treat and guide the patient through the healing process. Although the effect may not be permanent, it can last up to five weeks for patients to avoid any signs of depression. It will be beneficial for a lot of sufferers of this mental issue around the world.

Conclusion

Psilocybin is an excellent way to treat depression and it should be administered all around the world. With the mental health crisis growing in numbers, it's time to innovate the treatment for depression. It will help a lot of people to get back to their lives and also reduce the risks of people committing suicide.