A new research confirms it: psilocybine, the psychedelic substance contained in some mushrooms, can have long -term positive effects in patients with clinical depression. Even five years after the treatment, many people report they are better, and in many cases they no longer show any symptoms.
The study was conducted in the United States, starting from an experiment published in 2021. The researchers had treated 24 adult patients suffering from major depression with two doses of psilocybine, accompanied by about 13 hours of psychotherapeutic support. Even then, the results were promising: many patients spoke of a profound, almost transformative change.
Today, five years later, the picture is even clearer: 67% of the participants are in complete remission from depression, or without significant symptoms. And that’s not all: the improvements also concern anxiety, daily functionality and general well -being. This was stated by Professor Alan Davis, who led both the 2021 study and the new follow-up, published on September 4 in Journal of PsychCelic Studies.
According to Davis, those who participated continue to consider the positive, safe and significant experience. Some have called it one of the most important experiences of their life, comparable to the birth of a child or a strong spiritual change. But here we are not talking about miracles: psilocybin was used within a well -structured therapeutic path, with the support of professionals.
The benefits are maintained over time
Out of 24 participants, 18 took part in the five -year check. The other six have not been traced, but to avoid distortions in the results, the researchers considered that the latter could have had a relapse. Even with this precautionary hypothesis, the benefits were evident: the depressive symptoms have decreased significantly, and in many cases they have not reappeared.
Not all patients have faced these five years without further treatments: some have taken over antidepressants, others have tried psychotherapy, ketamine or new psychedelic experiences. However, almost everyone reports that their relationship with depression has become different: clearer, more manageable, less oppressive.
Many speak of greater emotional opening and a renewed ability to experience positive emotions. Despite the possible reappearance of some symptoms, these people feel stronger, more lucid and more present in their lives.
It is not for everyone, and studies are still needed, but something is changing
As Professor Davis himself pointed out, the study has limits: the number of participants is reduced and confirmations are needed by wider research. In addition, psilocybin is not a DIY-yourself therapy: some people who have taken it alone, outside a clinical context, have had difficult experiences to manage. Three patients said they felt emotionally vulnerable, without the right tools to face that type of intensity.
What emerges clearly is that psilocybine, if used carefully and under medical supervision, can represent a concrete resource in the care of the depression resistant to traditional treatments. It does not replace psychotherapy or drugs, but could integrate effectively into the path of some people.
The results of this study reopen the debate on the therapeutic use of the psychedelics, already approved in some countries for the treatment of resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is still long, but which deserves to be followed with attention and scientific rigor.
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