Psychedelics possible treatment

SYDNEY: Popping a party pill like MDMA could one day be prescribed as part of an effective mental health treatment plan.

CSIRO researchers in Australia and international scientists are studying psychedelics, such as MDMA or psilocybin (derived from certain species of mushrooms), to see if they can help people suffering from depression, anxiety, addiction and posttraumatic stress disorder.

It is estimated one in five people in Australia suffers a mental illness each year, with some research suggesting more than a third of sufferers may not respond to existing treatments.

Initial clinical trials with psychedelics by CSIRO scientist Peter Duggan had been promising, he said.

Adjunct Prof Duggan said the drugs could alter the chemical composition of patients’ brains, creating a more positive psychological outlook.

Under the new licence, companies such as Melbournebased Natural MedTech will explore the psychoactive properties of plants and fungi for medical use. — AAP