Magic Mushroom Compound Called Psilocybin May Help Treat Depression

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Talking to a therapist is key in new treatment using psychedelics. Compassionate Eye Foundation / Steven Errico / Getty Images

• The psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, when combined with psychotherapy, relieved symptoms of depression in a small group of people studied.
• The new study shows the clinical potential of psilocybin, particularly for treating depression that’s resistant to other therapies.
• This joins a growing body of research that’s found psychedelics to be a helpful therapy for certain mental disorders.

The psychedelic substance found in magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, can relieve symptoms in people with major depressive disorder, according to a new studyTrusted Source.

While additional research is needed, this study shows the clinical potential of psilocybin, particularly for treating depression that’s resistant to other therapies.

The study was published on November 4 in JAMA Psychiatry.

“This is an extremely important study that advances the study of psychedelics and mental health, but more importantly, offers a new and novel treatment for major depressive disorder,” said Dr. Rakesh Jetly, chief medical officer at Mydecine, who wasn’t involved in the new study.

Twenty-four people completed the study, which involved receiving two doses of psilocybin along with supportive psychotherapy.

Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers reported that the participant’s depressive symptoms improved rapidly, with over two-thirds responding well to the treatment.

Four weeks after psilocybin treatment, over half of the participants met the criteria for remission of their depression.