The Potential of Magic Mushrooms in Treating Depression, Magic mushrooms and Depression

Introduction

Over the past five years, researchers in Canada and the United States have revolutionized the public narrative around psychedelic substances with groundbreaking research into the potential of magic mushrooms as a treatment for depression. The legal landscape for magic mushrooms is also evolving, with several U.S states pushing for legalization or decriminalization and Health Canada granting legal exemptions for end-of-life psilocybin therapy since August 2020.

As a result of these changes, Canadians are increasingly curious about the possibility of treating symptoms of depression with magic mushrooms. But can we be sure that it works? This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the connection between magic mushrooms and depression, bringing you up-to-date on the most current clinical investigations.

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms are a family of fungi containing the hallucinogenic compound known as psilocybin. Because of their hallucinogenic properties, magic mushrooms have been used in religious, healing, and divine rituals throughout human history, dating back to at least 6,000 years ago. The Aztec people of Mexico and Central America referred to psilocybin mushrooms as “the divine mushroom” and consumed them during religious and civic ceremonies.

Knowledge of magic mushrooms spread worldwide during the 1960s as westerners engaged in spiritual tourism trips to Mexico, where they would take magic mushrooms in ritualistic ceremonies with indigenous peoples. It was soon discovered that mushrooms containing psilocybin grow naturally on all six continents.

Consuming psilocybin mushrooms has been observed to produce a variety of sensory and emotional effects, including:

• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Altered perception of time and space
• Altered perception of tactile and sensory stimulation
• Muscle relaxation and dilated pupils
• Reduced concentration

In addition to the hallucinogenic symptoms enjoyed by recreational and spiritual mushroom-lovers, new research has emerged revealing more about the long-term emotional impacts of taking magic mushrooms, including the potential impact for treating depression.

What is Depression?

Depression is a common mood disorder and the world’s leading cause of disability, affecting over 264 million people worldwide. Depression is not the same as occasional mood fluctuations or emotional responses to life’s daily challenges. Episodes of depression are often longer-lasting and result in more severe symptoms, which may include:

• Increased aggressiveness or irritability
• Increased anxiety or restlessness
• Unpredictable mood swings
• Disrupted or erratic sleep patterns
• Reduced sexual desire or lack of performance
• Feelings of despair and hopelessness
• Physical symptoms such as chronic pain, headaches, digestive problems, or chronic fatigue
• Lack of productivity and low self-esteem
• Slowed speech and cognition
• Reduced appetite, leading to weight loss, or increased cravings for food resulting in weight gain
• Behavior changes, such as loss of energy or initiative, no longer enjoying favorite activities, self-medicating with harmful drugs or alcohol, and suicidal ideation

Despite the high number of people suffering from depression, researchers still haven’t nailed down exactly why some people experience depression and others don’t. Family history seems to play a role, as people with a family history of mood disorders are more likely to develop a mood disorder themselves. Early childhood trauma, individual variations in brain structure, a history of drug use, and some medical conditions like ADHD or insomnia have all been associated with the onset of depressive symptoms.

Depression on its own can cause a tremendous amount of suffering. If left untreated, depression can worsen over time, potentially leading to substance abuse issues or problems with professional and interpersonal relationships. In the worst cases, individuals with depression may socially isolate themselves and engage in self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Do Magic Mushrooms Help with Depression?

Research into the potential therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms began in the early 1960s but came to an abrupt halt in 1970 when the United States Controlled Substances Act listed psilocybin and other psychedelics as banned substances, excluding them from further studies due to a lack of perceived benefits.

Eventually, in the year 2000, after three decades of zero development in our scientific knowledge about psilocybin, researchers at Johns Hopkins University were given permission to administer high doses of psilocybin to healthy and willing participants. The resulting study was published in 2006, opening the door to further investigation into psilocybin, including its therapeutic properties for treating depression.

Research conducted in the past five years indicates that magic mushrooms may be quite effective at treating depression in various contexts, including treatment-resistant depression, end-of-life depression, and major depressive disorders.

Key Studies on Magic Mushrooms and Depression

1. Psilocybin with Psychological Support for Treatment-Resistant Depression: An Open-Label Feasibility Study
   • Authors: Robin L. Carhart-Harris, Mark Bolstridge, James Rucker, et al.
   • Journal: The Lancet
   • Date: July 2016
   • Overview: This study investigated the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of using psilocybin as a therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
   • Key Findings: Involved 12 patients who suffered from treatment-resistant depression. The patients were given two doses of psilocybin. Researchers observed no unexpected adverse events, indicating that the drug was well-tolerated. One week after the second dosage, patients showed reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
2. Psilocybin Produces Substantial and Sustained Decreases in Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Life-Threatening Cancer: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial
   • Authors: Roland R. Griffiths, Matthew W. Johnson, Michael A. Carducci, et al.
   • Journal: Journal of Psychopharmacology
   • Date: November 30th, 2016
   • Overview: Evaluated the treatment potential of psilocybin therapy for patients with a life-threatening cancer diagnosis.
   • Key Findings: Involved 51 patients experiencing psychosocial distress following a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. Participants who received a high dose of psilocybin showed a decrease in depression and anxiety.
3. Rapid and Sustained Symptom Reduction Following Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Life-Threatening Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
   • Authors: Stephen Ross, Anthony Bossis, Jeffrey Guss, et al.
   • Journal: Journal of Psychopharmacology
   • Date: November 30th, 2016
   • Overview: Evaluated the potential role of psilocybin as a treatment for cancer-related anxiety and depression.
   • Key Findings: Involved 29 patients. The single dose of psilocybin was reported to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. A follow-up after 6.5 months showed that 60-80% of patients continued to show reduced depression and anxiety.
4. Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression: fMRI-Measured Brain Mechanisms
   • Authors: Robin L. Carhart-Harris, Leor Roseman, Mark Bolstridge, et al.
   • Journal: Nature
   • Date: October 13th, 2017
   • Overview: Used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to analyze changes in cerebral blood flow and other physiological markers for patients being treated with psilocybin.
   • Key Findings: Involved 19 patients. Psilocybin treatment was found to produce rapid and ongoing anti-depressant effects. fMRI scans showed decreased cerebral blood flow in the amygdala.
5. Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
   • Authors: Alan K. Davis, Frederick S. Barrett, and Darrick G. May
   • Journal: JAMA Psychiatry
   • Date: November 4th, 2020
   • Overview: Investigated the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for patients suffering from a major depressive disorder.
   • Key Findings: Involved 27 patients. Magic mushrooms were found to be an effective treatment for major depressive disorder when combined with supportive psychotherapy.

How Do Magic Mushrooms Help with Depression?

So far, the available research indicates that magic mushrooms can have a lasting impact on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers are working to develop a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms at work when treating depression with magic mushrooms. Understanding how psilocybin works in the body and brain to reduce depression will allow clinicians and medical professionals to develop stronger treatment protocols.

Key Findings from Current Research

1. Neural Correlates of the Psychedelic State as Determined by fMRI Studies with Psilocybin
   • Authors: Robin L. Carhart-Harris, David Erritzoe, Tim Williams, et al.
   • Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
   • Date: February 7th, 2012
   • Overview: Used neuroimaging to understand the transition between normal consciousness and the psychedelic state.
   • Key Findings: Psilocybin decreased cerebral blood flow in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and decreased positive coupling between the PCC and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC).
2. The Mixed Serotonin Receptor Agonist Psilocybin Reduces Threat-Induced Modulation of Amygdala Connectivity
   • Authors: Rainer Kraehenmann, André Schmidt, Karl Fristone, et al.
   • Journal: NeuroImage: Clinical
   • Date: August 22nd, 2015
   • Overview: Analyzed neuroimaging data to understand the influence of psilocybin on threat-processing in the brain.
   • Key Findings: Psilocybin decreased threat sensitivity in the visual cortex by activating a special type of serotonin receptor.
3. Patients’ Accounts of Increased “Connectedness” and “Acceptance” After Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression
   • Authors: Rosalind Watts, Camilla Day, Jacob Krzanowski, et al.
   • Journal: Journal of Humanistic Psychology
   • Date: June 19th, 2017
   • Overview: Focused on how patients experience the therapy and the long-term emotional impacts.
   • Key Findings: Patients reported increased feelings of connectedness and acceptance.
4. Quality of Acute Psychedelic Experience Predicts Therapeutic Efficacy of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression
   • Authors: Leor Roseman, David J. Nutt, and Robin L. Carhart-Harris
   • Journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology
   • Date: January 17th, 2018
   • Overview: Tested the belief that the quality of a therapeutic experience involving psilocybin could predict long-term mental health improvements.
   • Key Findings: Strong connection between the quality of psychedelic experiences and the overall impact on mental health.

Magic Mushrooms and Depression FAQ

What is treatment-resistant depression?

The most common treatments for depression include antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft, along with various forms of psychotherapy. These treatments work for many people suffering from depression but do not work for everyone. You may be diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression if your symptoms fail to improve after receiving psychotherapy or taking antidepressants.

Which magic mushrooms are the best for treating depression?

There are many different species of magic mushrooms that grow in the wild, but it isn’t the mushrooms themselves that treat depression. It’s the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin that seems to produce the positive effects. In most studies, patients are administered a purified form of psilocybin.

Can magic mushrooms cure depression?

Whether magic mushrooms can cure your depression depends on various factors, such as the underlying causes of your depression, the quality of your psychedelic experiences, the overall quality of your treatment program, and the dosage of psilocybin that you receive. While there’s no guarantee, there’s evidence that psilocybin therapy often results in the long-term reduction of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Researchers have found magic mushrooms to be effective in treating end-of-life depression, major depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. While the exact mechanisms are not entirely clear, several factors play a role. The effectiveness of psilocybin therapy depends on the quality of the experience, leaving room for clinicians to develop strong treatment protocols that enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Based on these findings, we’re excited about the future potential of magic mushrooms to treat depression and other mental disorders.