Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common form of depression and is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and/or loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a type of MDD that does not respond to conventional treatments, such as antidepressants or psychotherapy. It is estimated that up to 30% of people who have MDD are affected by TRD.
“Over the years, researchers have examined the use of psychedelics substances that alter a person’s mood, thoughts, or senses — as a therapy option for treatment-resistant depression.
One of those psychedelic drugs is psilocybin. Past research shows that psilocybin provides antidepressant effects in people with TRD and reduced depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
What is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. Psilocybin has been used for centuries for ceremonial and healing purposes in various cultures around the world. It has a chemical structure similar to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, and works by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain.
The Study
A new 22-site clinical trial has found that a single-dose of psilocybin, a psychedelic chemical found in certain mushrooms, could help reduce depression symptoms in people with TRD.
The study, published in *The Lancet Psychiatry*, provides evidence that psilocybin could be a viable treatment option for those struggling with mental health disorders. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either a single dose of psilocybin or an inactive placebo. The participants who received psilocybin reported a significant decrease in depression symptoms at the 1-week and 3-month follow-ups, compared to those who received the placebo.
The researchers also found that the effects of the psilocybin were long-lasting. At the 3-month follow-up, 57% of the participants who received the psilocybin were in remission from their depression, compared to just 28% of those who received the placebo.
Side Effects
The researchers also reported some adverse side effects of this treatment, including thoughts of suicide. However, the researchers noted that these thoughts were not acted upon and the participants’ depression symptoms were reduced.
While the causes of treatment resistance are still being studied, there are a number of treatments and therapies that can be effective for those suffering from treatment resistant depression. Further research is needed to better understand the causes and treatments for this condition, but in the meantime, those suffering from treatment resistant depression should talk to their doctor about the various treatment options available.
