Treatment of Depression using Psilocybin Therapy

Depression is characterised by the absence of a positive affect (a loss of interest and enjoyment in ordinary things and experiences), low mood, and a range of associated emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioural symptoms
Emerging research suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy, when administered in controlled settings with professional support, can lead to significant and enduring improvements in depressive symptoms.

Breakthroughs in Psilocybin Research

A pivotal study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine revealed that two doses of psilocybin, combined with supportive psychotherapy, resulted in rapid and substantial reductions in depression severity among participants. Around half of the study’s participants achieved remission, maintaining these positive outcomes through a four-week follow-up period.  This is an exceptional number considering more than 50% of patients that take SSRIs for treating depression report no change in their symptoms.

A follow-up study demonstrated that the antidepressant effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy could persist for at least a year in many patients. Participants reported sustained decreases in depression severity, highlighting psilocybin’s potential as a long-term treatment option. 

Diving into the Mechanism

Functional MRI scans indicated that psilocybin fosters increased connectivity between different brain regions, disrupting entrenched patterns of negative thinking and self-focus. This neural flexibility allows individuals to break free from depressive ruminations, facilitating new perspectives and emotional processing. 

In a study published in JAMA, a single 25-mg dose of psilocybin administered with psychological support was associated with a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect in patients with major depressive disorder. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported, suggesting that psilocybin, combined with therapy, may hold promise as a novel intervention for depression. 

Psilocybin has an incredible ability to induce profound, lasting changes in mood and cognition offers hope for individuals who have not found relief through traditional treatments. While we continue to debate the politicised stigmatisation of the substance, a majority of people that have used it in clinical or non-clinical settings report an unforgettable experience comparable to the birth of their first child!

Change is right around the corner, only if we’re ready to witness it.
Join us for a beautiful tomorrow ❤️

FOLLOWING ARE SOME STUDIES BETWEEN 2020-2025 COMPARING EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT of DEPRESSION WITH PSILOCYBIN VS SSRIs  (ANTI-DEPRESSION MEDICATIONS)

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39764567/
   Psilocybin versus escitalopram on depression symptom severity in patients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder (ERRITZOE et al)
   
   In a 6 month follow up study of MDD patients treated with both PT and ET, both showed long-term improvements in depressive symptom severity but PT showed improvements in measures of social functioning, connectedness, and meaning
   

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33852780/
   Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression (Carhart - Harris et al)
   
   Did not show a significant difference in antidepressant effects between psilocybin and escitalopram in a selected group of patients. Secondary outcomes generally favored psilocybin over escitalopram

3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8901083/ 
   Analysis of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Medicine: A Narrative Review