Scientists from Greenwich Hospital reviewed research on the use of psychedelics to treat psychiatric disorders. The study was published on: Journal of Psychiatry Practice.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance found in some mushrooms. Many recent clinical studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of psilocybin in the treatment of mental disorders, including major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression.
The review authors noted that overall the studies confirm that this substance has therapeutic potential. However, many challenges remain in defining its clinical benefits and overcoming regulatory hurdles.
The official position of the American Psychiatric Association is that there is currently insufficient evidence outside scientific research to support the use of psychedelics in the treatment of any mental disorder.
In 2023, Australia’s regulator announced it would allow psychiatrists to prescribe psilocybin treatments for treatment-resistant depression. In the United States, two states have legalized or decriminalized psilocybin (Oregon and Colorado, respectively).
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