Hallucinogen could reduce anxiety in terminally ill patients

• April 27, 2024

Patients with terminal disease they could find relief from their anxiety through a hallucinogenic mushroom that contains an alkaloid called psilocybin , says a new study published by the newspaper Archives of General Psychiatry.

Twelve patients were studied during the investigation, to which they were given a small dose of psilocybin under the supervision of trained therapists . In a separate session, the volunteers took a placebo, which had little effect on their symptoms.

The participants who took the mushrooms between 1 and 3 months, they reported feeling less anxious and be in a better mood in general. After 6 months, the levels of depression in the monitored group had dropped by 30%.

The study reported that patients reported having a new perspective on their disease, and a closeness to your loved ones, after having been subjected to hallucinogen and the therapies guided by experts.

During the 6-hour sessions under the influence of the drug , the patients reclined on a sofa and listened to music with headphones, while they talked a little about their illness with the therapist. Although the sessions were short, they continued their talks with the specialist for 6 months discussing their experience under the hallucinogen effects .

The doctors warn that these substances should not be used for recreational reasons, but that their research shows that under the supervision of therapists, they can be used safely .

Source: Health.com and Archives of General Psychiatry.

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