Magic Mushrooms vs Antidepressants: A Breakthrough Study Comparing Psilocybin and Escitalopram for Depression Treatment

Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. Currently, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram are commonly prescribed to treat depression. However, a 2021 study titled “Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression“, suggests that psilocybin, a compound found in “magic mushrooms,” may have similar antidepressant effects to escitalopram.

This study, conducted by researchers from the United Kingdom, involved 59 patients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder. They were randomly assigned to receive either two separate doses of 25 mg of psilocybin three weeks apart plus six weeks of daily placebo or two separate doses of 1 mg of psilocybin three weeks apart plus six weeks of daily oral escitalopram. All the patients received psychological support throughout the trial. The primary outcome was the change in the score on the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self-Report (QIDS-SR-16) at week six.

The results showed that there was no significant difference in the antidepressant effects of psilocybin and escitalopram at week six. However, secondary outcomes generally favored psilocybin over escitalopram, although the analyses of these outcomes lacked correction for multiple comparisons. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups.

These findings suggest that psilocybin may be a potential alternative to SSRIs for the treatment of depression. However, larger and longer trials are needed to compare psilocybin with established antidepressants.

In conclusion, this study provides preliminary evidence that psilocybin may have similar antidepressant effects to escitalopram in a selected group of patients with major depressive disorder. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential implications of psilocybin for the treatment of depression. What are your thoughts on this potential alternative treatment for depression? Let me know in the comments below.

References

Carhart-Harris, R., Giribaldi, B., Watts, R., Baker-Jones, M., Murphy-Beiner, A., Murphy, R., Martell, J., Blemings, A., Erritzoe, D., & Nutt, D. J. (2021). Trial of psilocybin versus escitalopram for depression. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(15), 1402–1411. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032994

Disclaimer: Neuro-psychedelic does not encourage the recreational use of psychedelics. While research has shown promising results for the therapeutic use of psychedelics, they are powerful, mind-altering substances that should only be used in a safe setting. If you choose to use psychedelics, it is imperative that you educate yourself about their effects, potential risks, and how to reduce harm. This includes careful preparation, working with a trusted and experienced guide, and taking the necessary precautions to ensure your physical and mental safety.