A direct comparison between the experimental psychedelic drug psilocybin and a standard SSRI antidepressant shows similar improvement of depressive symptoms, but that psilocybin offers additional longer-term benefits.
European College of NeuropsychopharmacologySep 22 2024
The work is presented for the first time at the ECNP Congress in Milan. A related paper will appear in the peer-reviewed journal Lancet eClinicalMedicine to coincide with the conference presentation . Lead researcher Mr Tommaso Barba said: SSRI drugs , such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, are one of the main types of drugs used to treat depression. However, around a third of patients don't respond to SSRI treatment, so for them psilocybin may offer an alternative, although this was not studied in this trial. SSRIs work well, but not for everyone. They are also associated with some side effects.
Related Stories"This is important because improving connectedness and having greater meaning in life can significantly enhance a person's quality of life and long-term mental health. The study suggests that psilocybin therapy might be a more holistic treatment option for depression, addressing both the symptoms of depression and overall well-being.
Depression Depressive Disorder Drugs Major Depressive Disorder Mental Health Research
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