Magic Mushrooms Show Long-Term Promise in Treating Depression Among Cancer Patients
A single dose of magic mushrooms with therapy may ease depression in cancer patients for years, offering hope for long-lasting mental relief.
New Research Reveals Magic Mushrooms Could Treat Depression in Cancer Patients for Years with Just One Dose and Therapy
Groundbreaking new research shows that one single dose of psilocybin–the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms-can reduce depression symptoms significantly in cancer patients and the impact lasts longer than two years. Brass tacks, it is a major step ahead in finding economically feasible, long-lived mental health solutions for those who suffer from life-threatening diseases.
The study is published in Cancer, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society where the 28 participants presented with major depressive disorder and a diagnosis of cancer received a single 25-milligram dose of psilocybin with supportive psychological therapy before, during, and afterward in the session. The findings were nothing less than exhilarating.
Two years later, clinical interviews conducted during the follow-up revealed that out of the patients, 54%-15 had significant reductions in depression-associated symptoms. Even astounding, out of the 28 participants at a follow-up visit, 14-all remission-across the spectrum of advantages from depression, were additionally reduced by almost 43% indicating psilocybin as a multipurpose therapeutic agent in mental health.
Research on psilocybin, termed an active ingredient of “magic mushrooms,” has recently gained momentum. Scientists and mental health professionals are quick to be intrigued by its potential to “reset” the kind of brain activity patterns associated with depression. This latest trial offers another piece of evidence in support of the hypothesis that psychedelics can transform the healing process when properly used with therapeutic support.
Read more: Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): A Powerful Yoga Asana for Flexibility and Back Strength
The lead author, Dr. Manish Agrawal, affiliated with Sunstone Therapies, stated that the finding was very important. One dose of psilocybin with psychological support to treat depression would have a long-term positive effect on a significant proportion of patients with cancer,” he said. “We are now looking to see if we can help even more than half of patients go into remission by repeating the treatment.”
Building upon these encouraging findings, researchers are also undertaking a larger randomized double-blind study. In progress, this study will compare a single versus two doses of psilocybin with placebo in cancer patients. The intention is to examine whether the effect of repeated use of psilocybin can reach a broader spectrum of patients who will benefit from it in overcoming depression and anxiety, making their lives better, and significantly changing the standards of care.
Prolonged emotional distress, anxiety, and grief make cancer patients particularly susceptible to psychological problems. While traditional antidepressants and counseling could help, they do not bring fast or lasting relief in many cases. The promise of psilocybin therapy lies in relatively quick and durable effects, making it a viable contender against long-term approaches to medications.
Researchers warn that the therapy is not a stand-alone fix; it works best with guided therapy and psychological support. While some people may lose faith in psychedelics as a therapeutic agent and make up ground, others may find hope in their experience with a psychedelic in a therapeutic environment. However, it is revolutionary-the idea that a single, carefully managed session can bring mental health benefits that last for years.
Read more: Bikram Yoga: 26 Poses for Wellness, Benefits, and Full Breakdown.
As for the magic mushrooms benefits studied in controlled settings by medical professionals? There is a hope that such therapies advance to soon get out of clinical trials and into the broad clinical context. If randomized studies in the future confirm those early results, magic mushrooms may well become a transformative instrument in managing depression and anxiety, in particular, in cancer care, where much emotional suffering is left unnoticed.
A future of mental health treatment is perhaps best signified by a potent dose of nature’s bounty in a healing professional therapy session, to change lives-sometimes one at a time.
We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join.
Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.
