Psychedelics may have long-term impact treating depression, mental illness - study
The study confirmed that the results of psychedelic treatments take effect much more quickly than those of other drugs such as antidepressants.
Psilocybin or "magic mushrooms" are seen in an undated photo
provided by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Washington, US, May
7, 2019. (photo credit: DEA/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)
A single dose of a psychedelic drug,
such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline or
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) could have long-lasting positive
effects on patients suffering from mental illnesses such as anxiety,
depression, substance addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder,
according to an October study conducted by researchers from Virginia
Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
The
research team, including Virginia Tech's Fred W. Bull Professor of
Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering Chang Lu, doctoral
student Bohan Zhu and VCU pharmacologist Javier González-Maeso,
administered a single dose of DOI to lab mice, then analyzed small brain
tissue samples from the mice to determine the effects of the drug.
In addition, the study confirmed that the results of psychedelic
treatments take effect much more quickly than those of other drugs such
as antidepressants, and the drugs may be effective in treating people who are unresponsive to traditional medications.
Boxes containing magic mushrooms are displayed at a coffee and smart shop in Rotterdam November 28, 2008. (credit: REUTERS/JERRY LAMPEN)
However, the study warns about the potential of psychedelic drugs
to cause psychotic symptoms in patients who are predisposed to such
symptoms.
Due to
the possibility of treatment triggering or exacerbating potential
psychosis, the study notes the treatment cannot be administered on a
routine basis.
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