The psychedelic renaissance: can psilocybin possibly combat depression?
International Journal of Surgery Global Health November 1, 2022 Hamna Raheel, Unaiza Naeem, Asim Shaikh et al.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise for treating major depressive disorder, with a small randomized trial finding significant decreases in depression and complete remission in many participants. The pandemic increased major depressive disorder cases by 27.6% and anxiety disorders by 25.6% globally. Psilocybin has low toxicity and addictive potential compared to alternatives like ketamine, which has psychiatric, cardiovascular, and neurological side effects. However, results from the 27-participant trial may be overstated due to small sample size, and 11% of psilocybin consumers reported harming themselves or others. Large-scale clinical trials across mental diseases are needed before inclusion in medical practice.