Research suggests that magic mushrooms may contain an active ingredient which could be used to treat psychological disorders such as PTSD.
Researchers believe that small amounts of the psychoedelic drug, psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), are effective in relieving disorders which cannot be treated. They also don’t have any long-term or short-term side effects for healthy individuals.
In a study conducted by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, researchers found that it can safely be administered in dosages of 10, 25, or 50 mg to as many patients as six.
In partnership with COMPASS Pathways this report is an indispensable first step in proving the safety and practicality of drug psilocybin for treating a variety of conditions, including treatment-resistant and PTSD.
It’s the first drug to compete head-to-head against the ineffective and traditional treatments.
The mushroom was initially hailed as promising, but there have not been any human trials.
Scientists believe that low-doses of the psychoedelic drug, psilocybin found in “magic” mushrooms have small side effects.
The first ever trial to investigate in detail the miracle of mushrooms is this one.
To take part, a sample of 89 participants were selected who had never used psilocybin for more than a year.
The drug was then administered to 60 random subjects in controlled laboratory conditions.
Following the dosage, each patient received individual support from a trained psychotherapist.
Rest of the participants were given a placebo drug. They also received psychological support.
After being closely observed for between 6-8 hours, the participants were followed for 12 weeks.
The participants were evaluated to determine if they could make any changes in their attention, memory or planning abilities, as well how easily they can process emotions.
In a study conducted by IoPPN at King’s College London, researchers found that it can safely be administered in either 10mg and/or 25mg doses to as many patients as possible (stock photo).
The study was led by Dr James Rucker (a National Institute for Health Research clinical scientist).
He explained that this study proved the feasibility of simultaneous administrations.
“If we consider how psilocybin treatment (if approved), it is important that we demonstrate its safety and feasibility to give it to multiple people simultaneously, so we can plan for how to scale it up.
Honorary consultant psychiatrist, Dr Rucker also at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, added that “This therapy offers promise for patients with serious mental problems like treatment-resistant depressive (TRD) or PTSD.
“They can be very distressing, disabling and disruptive. But, the current treatments are either ineffective or partial effective for many.
After being closely observed for between 6-8 hours, the participants were followed up on for 12 weeks (stock illustration).
It was not suggested that any of the doses of psilocybin had adverse effects for participants, and none withdrew their consent.
Professor Guy Goodwin is the chief medical officer for COMPASS Pathways. He stated that this study was an initial part of our clinical program for COMP360 psilocybintherapy.
“It examined whether simultaneous psilocybin and one-to one support is safe and feasible. It also provided a solid foundation from which we now add positive results from Phase IIb in 233 patients who have TRD. We also added positive results to our open label study that included patients receiving SSRI antidepressants in addition to psilocybin.
“We look forward to finalizing plans for phase three of our programme. We expect it to start in Q3 2022.”
The researchers completed the second phase of this study after the first study. This study examined the safety and efficacy of psilocybin for people with TRD or PTSD. Now they are analysing the results.
The Journal of Psychopharmacology published the study.