A new study has found that psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, can alleviate depression for at least five years after a single dose. Half of the 24 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who received psilocybin treatment remained in remission four to five years later. The research suggests that psilocybin is four times more effective than traditional antidepressant medications and that its benefits can last longer than conventional treatments.
The study, presented at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, used a randomized clinical trial design to explore the use of psilocybin for treating severe depression. The results showed that patients who received psilocybin treatment had a significant reduction in depression symptoms compared to those on a waitlist group.
One month after the treatment, 17 patients had relieved symptoms, including 14 who were in full remission from depression. Patients also responded faster to psilocybin than conventional antidepressants.
However, few long-term studies of psilocybin for depression have been conducted due to challenges such as patient dropout and the use of other treatments that can mask any longer-lasting benefits. To investigate the long-term effects of psilocybin, researchers contacted 21 patients who had received the original treatment several years later and found that 67% remained in remission.
The study’s findings suggest that psilocybin therapy can have lasting positive changes in mental health, emotional well-being, and relationships. The researchers plan to conduct future studies comparing the relative influences of psilocybin and psychotherapy on depression relief.
Despite the promising results, the study notes that its small sample size is a limitation, and further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects of psilocybin therapy.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/mind/one-psychedelic-psilocybin-dose-eases-depression-for-years-study-reveals