Can Taking Magic Mushrooms Cause Depression?

A new study has found that psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, can be highly effective in relieving depression. Clinical studies have shown that psilocybin from “magic mushrooms” improves depression, with psychiatric researchers at Harvard, Yale, Washington University, and Stanford studying the substance. Evidence from mostly small observational studies suggests that microdosing psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, may help treat depression. The largest clinical trial of psilocybin ever conducted is about to begin. Previous studies by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers showed that psychedelic treatment with psilocybin relieved major depressive disorder symptoms in adults for up to a month.

Psychedelic mushrooms have shown promise for their medical benefits, but we are only now beginning to understand how they might help treat depression. A new study compares psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, with a common antidepressant medication. During 6 months of follow-up, both drugs effectively improved depressive symptoms.

Psilocybin has been found to have similar side effects to traditional psychedelics, such as hallucinogenic fungi. However, it is important to note that psilocybin seems to offer hope for some people with depression, especially those who have found limited success with other treatments. New trials have shown that psilocybin is highly effective in treating depression, with Oakland being the latest US city to decriminalise it last.