Scientists are currently working to make the "magic mushrooms" be approved for treating depression, and patients will not suffer from any serious side effects, according to a British study.
The "magic mushroom", which is known as a psychedelic mushroom, contains an ingredient called "psilocybin" which could safely cure depression, something that has not yet achieved by existing medications.
Conducted by King's College London and Compass Pathways, a mental healthcare company, the said component was administered to 89 volunteers. Different dosages and a placebo were also given to check its effectivity.
The Compass Pathways said in a press release that volunteers have experienced improvement in their mood and some changes in their sensory perception -- which are typical effects of psychedelic drugs -- but no "serious adverse events" and even negative effects on their cognitive and emotional health.
The promising result will support further development of psilocybin as a treatment for mental health problems, said lead researcher James Rucker.
Currently, the most common treatment offered for depression is antidepressants like Prozac, and its effectivity is rather questionable. It must also be taken for a long time to maintain its effect.
The psilocybin, on the other hand, can quickly alter the brain by promoting relaxation on the parts of the brain responsible for thinking and behavior, according to King's College London. A previous study from Imperial College London supported that by claiming the drug can make the "emotional thinking" part more active and "introspective" part less.
Moreover, the study also claimed that those who have taken the drug experienced a "better insight" on dealing with their problems.
Combining this drug and therapy, patients can be treated in a few dosages, the researchers also suggested.
However, it will still take time before psychedelics drugs became approved for treatment. Currently, the study is still in its first phase of testing. The second phase will involve around 200 patients with depression.
Although some states in the United States like Denver and Oakland have decriminalized psilocybin, the official federal policy still does not consider it to have medical properties.
But for the future, the researchers hope that the drug could also cure other mental health conditions like anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What is Depression?
The American Psychology Association defines depression as a "common disorder" that could induce sadness and disinterest in the activities you once enjoyed. Other symptoms include changes in appetite and sleeping patterns, an increase in purposeless physical activities, and suicidal ideation and/or attempts.
The World Health Organization said that at least 264 million people were affected by depression. It is also the second leading death for people age 15-29.
Many factors could contribute to the development of depression, including family history, early childhood trauma, pre-existing medical condition, and drug use.
Although the condition is curable, the financial incapacity of less-developed countries hinders treatment efficiency. But the lack of trained mental health personnel could also hamper it, as misdiagnosis due to inaccurate assessment often occurs. The social stigma associated with mental health patients is also a barrier.
If you are having frequent suicidal ideation, you can visit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call them at 1-800-273-8255.
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