Psilocybin, a compound found in “magic mushrooms,” has shown promise as a treatment for depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder. A small clinical trial published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that 15 participants experienced significant improvements in their symptoms after receiving a single dose of synthetic psilocybin.
The trial involved participants who were taking prescribed mood medications but still experiencing depressive episodes. They underwent talk therapy before, during, and after the treatment, and three weeks post-treatment, all 15 participants showed improved symptoms. Twelve patients met the criteria for remission from their depressive episode, with most achieving this within a week of the psilocybin dose.
The study’s findings suggest that psilocybin may be a safe and effective treatment for bipolar II disorder, which is marked by lengthy depressive episodes and shorter bouts of hypomania. This is in contrast to common antidepressants, which can potentially trigger manic episodes and mood instability.
While the trial represents an important step forward in exploring psilocybin for bipolar disorder, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety. The study’s authors caution that the results cannot be extrapolated to people with bipolar I, who would face greater risks if the treatment pushed them toward mania.
Future studies will aim to build on this promising finding, particularly in larger groups of participants. The researchers also emphasize the importance of further investigation into psilocybin’s longer-term effects and rate of relapse.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/medicine-drugs/shroom-compound-psilocybin-shows-promise-for-bipolar-disorder-in-early-trial