Psilocybin as a new way for depression treatment

Mental disorders are a growing global problem that significantly reduce quality of life and can lead to death. Current treatments are not always effective for complex cases, so new options are needed. Studies show that psilocybin lowers depression and anxiety scores in patients with major depressive disorders or serious life-threatening conditions, and this effect is long-lasting with little or no adverse side effects. Psilocybin is potentially a good treatment for depression in some patient groups, especially when other therapies show little effect.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: Mental disorders are common and still growing problem around the globe. Significantly decreasing quality of life, they are often source of true suffering for patients and their families leading to further health issues or even dramatic outcomes resulting in death. As public awareness rises, more and more people understand risks and tend to look for help as fast as possible. Currently available treatment methods are not always efficient enough to deal with more complex cases. Therefore it is important to look for new therapy options incrementing chances of fast and successful treatment. Results: Studies showed that psilocybin is not only able to lower depression and anxiety scores in patients with major depressive disorders or with serious life-threatening conditions but also proved this effect to be long-lasting. At the same time, no or little adverse side effects were noticed. Conclusions: Psilocybin is potentially a good method for depression treatment in some groups of patients. It should be considered if other, better known therapies show little or no effects.