New study shows magic mushrooms could be a cure for severe depression

The psilocybin boom is well and truly upon us, with regular scientific-backed research continuously showing the benefits of the chemical compound in magic mushrooms. 

A recent study conducted by US-based mental healthcare research company, COMPASS Pathways, revealed that when taken alongside therapy, the psychedelic drug helped nearly a third of patients (29.1%) enter remission of their symptoms after just three weeks.

During the trial, 233 patients took the drug and were supervised for six to eight hours whilst embarking on psilocybin-induced “trips”. As part of their experience, subjects wore eye shades and listened to calming music whilst a therapist ensured they remained out of danger.

All 233 subjects had been previously unresponsive to traditional antidepressant treatments. Quite amazingly, a large number of the same people experienced a noticeable improvement in their symptoms for up to ninety days. 

The trial’s Principal Investigator, Scott Aaronson, said: “Over 100 million people around the world suffer with treatment-resistant depression and haven’t found relief from existing therapies.

“With every new treatment, the chance of responding decreases significantly, and patients become more hopeless.” he continued. “Yet in this study, a substantial number of patients experienced an improvement in their symptoms of depression, with effects lasting for up to three months.”

Whilst psilocybin, the chemical compound found in several wild mushroom species, is still listed as a Class-A drug in many countries, there is an undeniable global increase in intrigue about the chemical and its seemingly endless beneficial qualities.