A group of researchers from London’s Imperial College, Cardiff University, Hammersmith Hospital, and University College of London recently revealed that a chemical component of magic mushrooms is effective in helping people with Psychiatric Disorders. The findings were published in the Nature Scientific Reports journal.
The conventional antidepressant and therapy treatments do not, at all times, work for patients who are diagnosed with depression, especially when the patients themselves do not embrace the whole concept of it. Modern studies about alternative treatment options somehow provide a ray of hope such as the presentation of an experimental study such as this.
Magic mushrooms carry potent psychoactive substance Psilocybin
According to the Imperial College of London researchers, patients who did not respond to conventional treatments seem to have manifested positive reduction of psychiatric symptoms with Psilocybin treatment. It has been believed that the component is able to reset the major brain circuits; those that are primarily associated with depression.
The researchers were focusing on the response of the amygdala, the brain’s almond-shaped region that is responsible for emotions. The depressive symptoms were evaluated through clinical standard questionnaires. Following the protocol, the patients revealed to the researchers that the immediate decrease of depressive symptoms was consistent with the Magic Mushroom’s classic “after-glow” effect.
Basically, the experiences characterized stress relief and mood improvement.
The most notable psilocybin effects were evaluated through an MRI scan, which backed up the initial concept that the magic mushroom component can disrupt a depressed person’s thought process. A low reading of blood flow during an MRI scan indicated that brain activity is reduced significantly.
Previous research also manifested a similar brain impact
Both Cardiff University and Imperial College of London previously conducted a study that revealed similar results with respect to nervous system activities. The findings revealed that brain activation and consciousness expansion happen when a person is in a dream state.
Further, it highlighted that psilocybin is a potent ego dissolving drug because the brain activity is disorganized in the regions that control personality and ego.
While more advanced studies have been recommended, this recent one certainly validates that psilocybin carries therapeutic effects for patients diagnosed with depression. The findings also point out that the component has a psychoactive compound that is effective against anxiety and addiction.
Magic mushrooms and the component Psilocybin are illegal to sell, give-away, or possess; it is only permitted by the government when it is for clinical trials. Without proper medical support, they could be extremely fatal. If you notice that someone -- yourself included -- is experiencing depressive symptoms, your general practitioner should be your first professional line of support.