Shroom chemical could be used for depression
A NORTH East NHS trust is investigating whether a chemical found in magic mushrooms could be used to treat depression.
The Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (NTW) is one of three clinical sites in the UK and around 18 worldwide which are taking part in a study into psilocybin therapy in people with treatment resistant depression (TRD).
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring chemical found in particular species of mushrooms, sometimes referred to as magic mushrooms.
It is one of a group of drugs known as psychedelics which may have the potential to change perceptions and facilitate insights.
Participants who are currently suffering from at least moderately severe depression for between three months and two years, and have tried between two and four antidepressant treatments in this episode, will be recruited into the study.
Any still on antidepressants will have these tapered off prior to the administration of a single dose of psilocybin.
They will be supported by two trained facilitators for six hours on the in a quiet environment. Preparation will occur over three weeks prior to treatment and follow up visits will last 12 weeks.
A recent preliminary, openlabel study has shown significant improvement in depressive symptoms following psilocybin administration with psychological support.
More than 40% of participant’s sustained response at three months and 32% had no need for further antidepressants or therapy at one year. Professor Hamish McAllister Williams, Consultant Psychiatrist and principal investigator for NTW said: “The data we have currently suggests psilocybin therapy may be a novel and very different treatment for depression. “However, more evidence is required before it is used clinically.
“This exciting new study will provide valuable effectiveness and safety information which will help us progress the development of the treatment and its potential introduction into clinical practice.
“If the study is positive, this will have implications for many people with depression who have not responded to conventional antidepressants”. dosing safe day, clinical
The data we have currently suggests psilocybin therapy may be a novel and very different treatment for depression