Life Changing Psychedelic 'Magic Mushrooms' Could Ease Anxiety & Depression
Research suggests that magic mushrooms containing Psilocybin relieve depression and anxiety in cancer patients for 6 months at a time. Depression and anxiety in cancer patients or in any terminally-ill individuals are common. This could either be the fear of impending death, or a life-altering discomfort and disability. But the psychological effects can now be eased with the help of magic mushrooms.
In two separate studies, researchers tested 80 patients with advanced cancer cases who were depressed or anxious. They set up clinics where patients were treated with high-dose synthetic psilocybin that lasts for hours, and a low dose psilocybin or niacin in 5-7 weeks apart. They monitored the focus group for 6 months.
The results were surprising. During one of the sessions with a therapist, a patient initially felt very angry, but a minute later, all her fear "evaporated." She felt love. After four years, the anxiety has not returned. Another patient who participated in the case study recalled the magic mushroom experience with the feeling akin to launching a space shuttle. He felt weightless like space's lack of gravity.
The studies, however, is carefully controlled, ensuring that patients do not have schizophrenia or history of mental disease. Magic mushrooms may cause harm when used carelessly. In fact, psilocybin can lead to more anxiety when used in an unsupported situation. But, researchers are keen on developing the alternative treatment in oncology and psychiatry.
The previous study in 2006 at the University of Arizona revealed that psilocybin eased symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disease in 9 test subjects. Patients reported their qualify of life have improved, and the experience was profound. Researchers want to explore more of the psychedelic treatments as the healers did in the 1950's and 60's. But before the magic mushroom will be allowed to be used on cancer patients, it has to go through FDA approval. Reports reveal that the studies will put in place phase 3 clinical trials leading to re-classification of the drug.
