In the largest study on psilocybin, the psychedelic proves to be a promising candidate to treat treatment-resistant depression. More research will need to be conducted to better understand the drug’s efficacy.

A recent study of psilocybin, commonly known as mushrooms, by COMPASS Pathways has shown that patients given the drug had a significant decrease in depressive symptoms. Three weeks after treatment was completed, nearly one-third of the experimental group was in remission from depression.

As of now, psilocybin is not approved to treat depression. With these results, however, psilocybin appears to be a promising candidate as an additional treatment in the future. Importantly, adverse side effects were observed. Out of 233 patients, twelve experienced suicidal behavior or self-harm. However, thoughts of suicide and self-harm are common in those who suffer from severe depression, so some of these behaviors are to be expected.

As of today, treatment with psychedelics is not offered at CalPsychiatry. Nevertheless, the COMPASS Pathways study has major implications in the field of psychiatry and for those suffering from severe depression.

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