Magic mushrooms have grown extremely popular in coping with depression and other psychological struggles. They have become a popular treatment for people suffering from depression. While this alternative has not yet received mainstream acceptance, it still holds some advantages compared to conventional treatment.
While every case is different, some people prefer to avoid chemically engineered pharmaceutical solutions for depression.
Suppose you’re wondering whether magic mushrooms, scientifically known as psilocybin, are a feasible alternative to other antidepressants. In that case, this article will help explain the benefits of this natural remedy.
Depending on your condition, you should consult a doctor before experimenting with alternative treatments for depression.
What are magic mushrooms?
Psilocybin, the active ingredient of “magic mushrooms,” is a naturally occurring psychedelic prodrug compound produced by more than 200 species of fungi. Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance that can alter a person’s consciousness.
Psilocybin has been used historically throughout many cultures for centuries, and as a consequence, research into its potential as a therapeutic agent has been steadily growing.
When taken, it triggers various effects, including changes in perception, emotions, and physical sensations. These vary from person to person and depend on the dosage, setting, and overall tolerance. However, research suggests that psilocybin may have therapeutic benefits.
One study found that it can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in cancer patients. It also may have anti-addiction properties and help alleviate mood disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, some research has even suggested that it may potentially treat substance abuse.
Psilocybin vs. antidepressants
Psychedelics, once a neglected class of drugs, are now beginning to be recognized for their potential to treat various mental health issues, including depression.
While psilocybin-assisted therapy is still mainly in the research stage and has yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many studies have indicated that psilocybin holds promise as an alternative to conventional antidepressant medications.
5 main benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy
1. Faster treatment response
Several recent clinical studies of psychedelics, including psilocybin, have shown a rapid and sustained response to treatment compared to conventional selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants, which often take weeks to begin working.
It is thought that psilocybin can work quickly because it directly affects a patient’s consciousness and opens them up to more personal insight, allowing them to process difficult emotions more meaningfully than an antidepressant alone.
2. Longer-lasting results
The therapeutic benefits of psilocybin don’t fade away after short-term treatment. On the contrary, most psychedelics studies have found that treatment’s positive effects can be sustained even after one-year post-treatment.
This suggests that a single psilocybin-assisted therapy session could provide much more outlasting benefits than regular SSRI antidepressant therapy.
3. Fewer side effects
Compared to antidepressants, psilocybin generally has fewer side effects. Common SSRI side effects can include decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and other physical and mental health issues. Psilocybin, on the other hand, is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects reported by patients.
4. Fewer drug interactions
Antidepressant medications can interact with other drugs in the body, such as blood thinners and other medications. Psilocybin, however, has fewer reported interactions with other drugs, making it a safer option for those who already take other medicines.
5. Can be used as part of a holistic treatment
Psilocybin-assisted therapy can be used with other treatments, such as psychotherapy, to help individuals gain insight into and address the underlying behaviors, habits, and patterns that may be causing their depression.
This can be especially helpful in treating complex mental health issues, such as depression resulting from long-term trauma or abuse.
The bottom line
While there is still much to be done regarding clinical studies of psychedelics, the potential for psilocybin-assisted therapy to provide lasting relief for people struggling with depression is promising as more research is being put into it.
