'Magic mushroom' psychedelic may ease anxiety, depression

Associated Press ^ | Dec 1, 2016 12:07 AM EST | Malcolm Ritter

[Olog-hai]

The psychedelic drug in “magic mushrooms” can quickly and effectively help treat anxiety and depression in cancer patients, an effect that may last for months, two small studies show.

It worked for Dinah Bazer, who endured a terrifying hallucination that rid her of the fear that her ovarian cancer would return. And for Estalyn Walcoff, who says the drug experience led her to begin a comforting spiritual journey.

The work released Thursday is preliminary and experts say more definitive research must be done on the effects of the substance, called psilocybin.

But the record so far shows “very impressive results,” said Dr. Craig Blinderman, who directs the adult palliative care service at the Columbia University Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He didn’t participate in the work. …

[steve86]

I see no problem investigating clinical use of psilocybin in terminal, refractory patients. Ketamine shows promise also. Too many knee jerks on this thread.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Maybe look into arsenic and antifreeze too. LOL!

[stig]

Don’t know whether or not I’m reading AP or High Times at this point. Seems almost parody-like that the name of the doctor involved is Blinderman, too.

I believe it's the real deal. The abstract I saw claimed patient's depression score dramatically decreased after treatment.

there is a study that says LSD takes away the anxiety at end of life basically taking away your fear of death.

Anecdotally word has it that Silicon Valley types are regularly taking low levels of LSD to improve their creativity.

For people with depression though this is probably great news the treatment using mushrooms is 1 to a few times and your good for months if not longer. No more having to take an SSRI everyday or an antipsychotic.