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New York Post
24-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Just one single dose of ‘magic mushrooms' could relieve depression for 5 years, researchers find
Psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, could alleviate depression for at least five years after just one dose, according to a new study. The research, presented June 18 at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, followed up with patients who had been diagnosed with clinical depression — also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) — and had participated in a previous psilocybin treatment study in 2020. 'Most people who participated in our trial reported improvements in depression symptom intensity or in the ways in which they experienced depression in their life, lasting up to five years after the trial,' study co-author Alan Davis, director of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education at The Ohio State University, told Fox News Digital. Doug Drysdale, CEO of the Canadian pharmaceutical company Cybin in Toronto, Ontario, told Fox News Digital that the outcome speaks to the 'exciting' potential of psilocybin and other psychedelic-based treatments in treating MDD and other mental health conditions. 'The results of the study are certainly very encouraging,' said Drysdale, who was not involved in the study. Earlier studies pointed toward the possibility of psilocybin as a potential antidepressant, prompting researchers to conduct the first-ever randomized clinical trial. 4 Earlier studies pointed toward the possibility of psilocybin as a potential antidepressant. Cannabis_Pic – The initial 2020 trial, published in JAMA Psychiatry, included 24 patients with major depressive disorder. Half received psilocybin at the beginning of the trial, and the other half received the treatment eight weeks later. Each patient also underwent 11 hours of psychotherapy. One month after treatment, 17 patients reported experiencing symptom relief. Fourteen of those reported full remission from depression, according to the published study. 4 The initial 2020 trial, published in JAMA Psychiatry, included 24 patients with major depressive disorder. contentdealer – 'The effectiveness of psilocybin therapy after a single or only a few administrations represents another substantial advantage over commonly used antidepressants that require daily administration,' the researchers wrote. The new study aimed to explore the longer-term effects of this treatment on 21 of the original trial participants. Sixty-seven percent reported being in remission from depression five years after treatment, and they also had less anxiety and easier daily functioning. For those whose depression came back, many still reported lasting benefits in their attitudes, perspectives and ability to pursue things that were meaningful to them, Davis told Fox News Digital. 'Certainly, more controlled and rigorous study is required, but at least anecdotally, these findings are very interesting, and I am cautiously optimistic about the potential for extended efficacy provided by these types of treatments,' Drysdale added. Other factors may have also played a role in the participants' long-term mental health benefits, such as psychotherapy sessions or other antidepressants, experts agreed. 4 The new study aimed to explore the longer-term effects of this treatment on 21 of the original trial participants. Daniel JÄdzura – 'The study doesn't account for naturalistic changes that could have affected their depression in the five years since the main trial, and the sample is not representative of the population of people suffering with depression,' Davis told Fox News Digital. Psilocybin has also been explored as a potential treatment for post-partum depression (PPD), which affects as many as one in seven new mothers. A 2022 study outlined the potential role of psychedelics in PPD cases, finding that psilocybin has been shown to catalyze a sense of 'reconnection' in new mothers. 'This effect in PPD, by fostering a sense of 'reconnection' for the mother, may allow for improved mood and maternal sensitivity toward the infant, which can positively impact maternal role gratification and the mother-infant relationship,' the researchers stated. In February, Cleveland Clinic reported on an upcoming study that explores single-dosing psilocybin as a way to treat PPD. The trial, now in its second phase, focuses on RE104, a proprietary drug similar to psilocybin. Study participants will undergo multiple physical and mental health tests. Potential risks and limitations Ryan Moss, chief science officer at Filament Health, a clinical-stage natural psychedelic drug development company in Canada, has emphasized the importance of administering psychedelics in a safe setting when treating mental health conditions. 'Psychedelic experiences can sometimes feature anxiety, hallucinations and paranoia,' Moss previously told Fox News Digital. 'Some patients using traditional psychedelics have reported experiencing adverse cardiovascular events during clinical trials.' 4 The trial, now in its second phase, focuses on RE104, a proprietary drug similar to psilocybin. goami – To mitigate these risks, Moss recommended clinical trial participants receive thorough preparation and monitoring by trained professionals during sessions. Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and Fox News' senior medical analyst, previously interviewed two of the country's top researchers on psychedelics: Dr. Rachel Yehuda, founder and director of the Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research at Mt. Sinai in New York, and Dr. Charles Marmar, director of the PTSD research program at NYU Langone. 'They agree there is therapeutic potential if very carefully studied under very strict medical guidance, but there is a huge downside in terms of unregulated recreational uses,' Siegel told Fox News Digital at the time. 'Both doctors see likely therapeutic value to psychedelics if carefully managed by medical experts ,' Siegel added. Melissa Rudy and Angelica Stabile, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Single dose of 'magic mushrooms' provides 5 years of depression relief, researchers find
Psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, could alleviate depression for at least five years after just one dose, according to a new study. The research, presented June 18 at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, followed up with patients who had been diagnosed with clinical depression — also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) — and had participated in a previous psilocybin treatment study in 2020. "Most people who participated in our trial reported improvements in depression symptom intensity or in the ways in which they experienced depression in their life, lasting up to five years after the trial," study co-author Alan Davis, director of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education at The Ohio State University, told Fox News Digital. Psychedelics As Potential Mental Health Treatment Are Explored By Trump Administration Doug Drysdale, CEO of the Canadian pharmaceutical company Cybin in Toronto, Ontario, told Fox News Digital that the outcome speaks to the "exciting" potential of psilocybin and other psychedelic-based treatments in treating MDD and other mental health conditions. "The results of the study are certainly very encouraging," said Drysdale, who was not involved in the study. Read On The Fox News App Earlier studies pointed toward the possibility of psilocybin as a potential antidepressant, prompting researchers to conduct the first-ever randomized clinical trial. The initial 2020 trial, published in JAMA Psychiatry, included 24 patients with major depressive disorder. Half received psilocybin at the beginning of the trial, and the other half received the treatment eight weeks later. Each patient also underwent 11 hours of psychotherapy. What Is Ketamine Therapy? Mormon Reality Stars Tout Controversial Treatment One month after treatment, 17 patients reported experiencing symptom relief. Fourteen of those reported full remission from depression, according to the published study. "The effectiveness of psilocybin therapy after a single or only a few administrations represents another substantial advantage over commonly used antidepressants that require daily administration," the researchers wrote. The new study aimed to explore the longer-term effects of this treatment on 21 of the original trial participants. Sixty-seven percent reported being in remission from depression five years after treatment, and they also had less anxiety and easier daily functioning. For those whose depression came back, many still reported lasting benefits in their attitudes, perspectives and ability to pursue things that were meaningful to them, Davis told Fox News Digital. "Certainly, more controlled and rigorous study is required, but at least anecdotally, these findings are very interesting, and I am cautiously optimistic about the potential for extended efficacy provided by these types of treatments," Drysdale added. Other factors may have also played a role in the participants' long-term mental health benefits, such as psychotherapy sessions or other antidepressants, experts agreed. "The study doesn't account for naturalistic changes that could have affected their depression in the five years since the main trial, and the sample is not representative of the population of people suffering with depression," Davis told Fox News Digital. Parkinson's Patients Who Take 'Magic Mushrooms' See Key Benefits, Study Finds Psilocybin has also been explored as a potential treatment for post-partum depression (PPD), which affects as many as one in seven new mothers. A 2022 study outlined the potential role of psychedelics in PPD cases, finding that psilocybin has been shown to catalyze a sense of "reconnection" in new mothers. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "This effect in PPD, by fostering a sense of 'reconnection' for the mother, may allow for improved mood and maternal sensitivity toward the infant, which can positively impact maternal role gratification and the mother-infant relationship," the researchers stated. In February, Cleveland Clinic reported on an upcoming study that explores single-dosing psilocybin as a way to treat PPD. The trial, now in its second phase, focuses on RE104, a proprietary drug similar to psilocybin. Study participants will undergo multiple physical and mental health tests. Ryan Moss, chief science officer at Filament Health, a clinical-stage natural psychedelic drug development company in Canada, has emphasized the importance of administering psychedelics in a safe setting when treating mental health conditions. For more Health articles, visit "Psychedelic experiences can sometimes feature anxiety, hallucinations and paranoia," Moss previously told Fox News Digital. "Some patients using traditional psychedelics have reported experiencing adverse cardiovascular events during clinical trials." To mitigate these risks, Moss recommended clinical trial participants receive thorough preparation and monitoring by trained professionals during sessions. Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and Fox News' senior medical analyst, previously interviewed two of the country's top researchers on psychedelics: Dr. Rachel Yehuda, founder and director of the Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research at Mt. Sinai in New York, and Dr. Charles Marmar, director of the PTSD research program at NYU Langone. "They agree there is therapeutic potential if very carefully studied under very strict medical guidance, but there is a huge downside in terms of unregulated recreational uses," Siegel told Fox News Digital at the time. "Both doctors see likely therapeutic value to psychedelics if carefully managed by medical experts," Siegel added. Melissa Rudy and Angelica Stabile, both of Fox News Digital, contributed article source: Single dose of 'magic mushrooms' provides 5 years of depression relief, researchers find
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Just 1 dose of magic mushroom compound eases depression for at least 5 years in most patients, small study suggests
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. DENVER—Psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, can alleviate depression for at least five years after a single dose, a new study finds. The research, presented June 18 at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, focused on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), which is often called clinical depression. The serious mood disorder causes a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. The most common treatments for MDD include talk therapy and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and both can take a long time to show any benefits. When early studies hinted at psilocybin's potential as an antidepressant, a team of researchers undertook the first-ever randomized clinical trial to explore the use of the psychedelic for treating severe depression. The trial included 24 patients, half of whom received psilocybin at the very start of the trial and half of whom received the same dose eight weeks later—the "waitlist" group. Each patient also received 11 hours of psychotherapy. Even in that short time frame, "there was a significant reduction in depression in the immediate-treatment group compared to those on the waitlist," study co-author Alan Davis, director of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education at The Ohio State University, told Live Science. Once all of the patients had completed the four-week study, the psilocybin appeared to be four times more effective than traditional antidepressant medications, based on previous research data. One month after the treatment, 17 patients had relieved symptoms, including 14 who were in full remission from depression. Patients also responded much faster to psilocybin than is typical for conventional antidepressants. But do these benefits of psilocybin last? Related: Magic mushrooms temporarily 'dissolve' brain network responsible for sense of self Very few long-term studies of psilocybin for depression have been conducted to date, said Dr. Charles Raison, a professor of human ecology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who was not involved in the research. "They are very difficult to do because people drop out," Raison told Live Science in an email. "But also because they go on all sorts of other treatments that obfuscate the degree to which any longer lasting benefits result from the psychedelic or because the participant got therapy or restarted an antidepressant." To investigate whether the benefits for psilocybin lasted and if the patients had experienced any side effects, the researchers contacted the original trial participants several years later to request their enrollment in a follow-up study. Twenty-one patients enrolled, and their clinicians rated any changes in the participants' levels of depression from before the original treatment to the present day. The patients also filled out a series of self-reported, online questionnaires and met up with clinicians to document their ability to engage in everyday tasks, their levels of anxiety and their general mental health. The researchers assumed that the three patients that didn't sign up for the follow up, and the three that didn't complete the questionnaires had not remained in remission. Even so, the researchers found that 67% of the participants who had suffered from depression half a decade earlier remained in remission after a single psychedelic therapy session. These patients also reported less anxiety and less difficulty functioning on a daily basis. In general, the two-thirds of the patients who responded well reported lasting positive changes in their mindsets, emotional health and relationships. "I'm excited by these deeper aspects of their lives that really speaks to the importance of these interventions beyond just reduction of depression," Davis said. RELATED STORIES —Psychedelics rapidly change the brain. Here's how. —Australia clears legal use of MDMA and psilocybin to treat PTSD and depression —'Magic mushroom' treatment for depression inches closer to approval Most of the patients shared that, following the original treatment, they'd engaged in self-reflection and therapy to help understand themselves and navigate life's challenges. Davis hypothesizes that the psychedelic experience catalyzes a deeper therapy process and would like to conduct future studies comparing the relative influences of psilocybin and psychotherapy in alleviating depression. "The biggest caveat of this study is the small sample size, and the fact that the original trial showed larger antidepressant effects than subsequent larger multi-site studies seem to be showing," Raison said. In a multi-site clinical trial with 233 participants, 37% of the 79 who received a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, coupled with psychotherapy, went into remission from major depression. While these trials report less widespread antidepressant effects, they support the idea that psilocybin can effectively treat depression, Davis said, and he is keen to see how the findings of multi-site trials hold up five years post-treatment.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Science news this week: 'Dragon Man's' identity and the universe's 'missing matter'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. This week's science news reveals the identity of the mysterious "Dragon Man," while also finding clues to the universe's "missing matter." In 1933, a Chinese laborer in Harbin City discovered a human-like skull with a huge cranium, broad nose and big eyes. Just under 90 years later, experts gave this curious specimen a new species name — Homo longi, or "Dragon Man" — due to its unusual shape and size. But this classification has not gone unchallenged, with many scientists saying this skull belongs not to a new species, but instead to an ancient group of humans called Denisovans. Now, a pair of new studies claim to have finally put the mystery to bed. Another mystery that we came one step closer to solving this week is where the universe's "missing" matter is hiding. Ordinary or "baryonic" aryonic matter, which is composed of particles like protons and neutrons, makes up just 5% of the universe, but scientists have been able to observe only about half as much of it as they expected. To find the missing matter, researchers search for clues by studying short, extragalactic flashes known as fast radio bursts, which light up the intergalactic space that lies between them and Earth — and they may have just found some. Although very few long-term studies of psilocybin — the main psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms — as a treatment for depression have been conducted to date, new research presented this week at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference suggests it can alleviate depression for at least five years after a single dose. The researchers found that 67% of study participants who had suffered from depression half a decade earlier remained in remission after a single psychedelic therapy session, while also reporting less anxiety and less difficulty functioning on a daily basis. Discover more health news —Iron deficiency in pregnancy can cause 'male' mice to develop female organs —The brain might have a hidden 'off switch' for binge drinking —Ketamine may treat depression by 'flattening the brain's hierarchies,' small study suggests The world is awash with the color purple — lavender flowers, amethyst gemstones, plums, eggplants and purple emperor butterflies. But if you look closely at the visible-light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, you'll notice that purple is absent. So does that mean the color doesn't really exist? Not necessarily. —If you enjoyed this, sign up for our Life's Little Mysteries newsletter Asking artificial intelligence reasoning models questions on topics like algebra or philosophy caused carbon dioxide emissions to spike significantly. Specialized large language models (LLMs), such as Anthropic's Claude, OpenAI's o3 and DeepSeek's R1, dedicate more time and computing power to producing more accurate responses than their predecessors, but a new study finds the cost could come at up to 50 times more carbon emissions than their more basic equivalents. While the study's findings aren't definitive — emissions may vary depending on the hardware used and the energy grids used to supply their power — the researchers hope their work should prompt AI users to think before deploying the more advanced technology. Read more planet technology news —This EV battery fully recharges in just 18 seconds — and it just got the green light for mass production —Hurricanes and sandstorms can be forecast 5,000 times faster thanks to new Microsoft AI model —China pits rival humanoids against each other in world's first 'robot boxing tournament' —14,000-year-old ice age 'puppies' were actually wolf sisters that dined on woolly rhino for last meal —Nobel laureate raises questions about AI-generated image of black hole spinning at the heart of our galaxy —Enslaved Africans led a decade-long rebellion 1,200 years ago in Iraq, new evidence suggests —Covering poop lagoons with a tarp could cut 80% of methane emissions from dairy farms —Satellite coated in ultra-dark 'Vantablack' paint will launch into space next year to help combat major issue The Colorado River snakes through seven U.S. and two Mexican states, and supplies some 40 million people, including those in Phoenix and Las Vegas, with their water needs. But as supplies of this surface water reach record lows, more and more people have been pumping groundwater from far below the surface. Stark new satellite data reveal that the Colorado River basin has lost huge amounts of groundwater over the last few decades, with some research suggesting that this groundwater could run out by the end of the century. But is that really the case? And if so, what could be done to prevent that happening? —How to see the groundbreaking space photos from the world's largest camera [Astronomy] —Instead of 'de-extincting' dire wolves, scientists should use gene editing to protect living, endangered species [Opinion] —Crows: Facts about the clever birds that live all over the world [Fact file] —Best thermal binoculars: Observe nocturnal wildlife after dark [Buying guide] —Watch David Attenborough's 'Ocean' from anywhere in the world with this NordVPN deal — and grab an Amazon voucher just in time for Prime Day [Deal] A massive eruption at Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano sent giant plumes of ash spewing more than 6 miles (10 kilometers) into the skies on Tuesday (June 17), followed by a second eruption just a day later. This incredible mushroom-shaped cloud could be seen over 95 miles (150 km) away, and was accompanied by rumbling, lightning and thunder, typical of explosive eruptions that spew enormous amounts of material — much of which showered over nearby villages. Warning signs at Lewoboti Laki-laki prompted officials to raise the eruption alert to the highest level on Tuesday, according to a statement, and fortunately at time of writing there have been no reports of casualties. Want more science news? Follow our Live Science WhatsApp Channel for the latest discoveries as they happen. It's the best way to get our expert reporting on the go, but if you don't use WhatsApp we're also on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Flipboard, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky and LinkedIn.
CBS News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Gov. Jared Polis announces pardons for Coloradans convicted of psilocybin possession at psychedelics conference
This week Colorado's governor said he's pardoning some people who were convicted in the state for possessing certain psychedelics. Gov. Jared Polis made the announcement on Wednesday at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver. The conference is going on all week at the Colorado Convention Center. Gov. Jared Polis speaks at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference on Wednesday. CBS The pardons cover people convicted of possessing the drugs found in so-called "magic" mushrooms: psilocybin and psilocin. "This is a step forward for the individuals -- they'll now have this cleared from their records," he said. "But also truly acknowledge the error in public policy that led to their conviction creating a more just system to break down barriers." In his speech, Polis also showcased the progress Colorado has made in the eventual legal use of psychedelic mushrooms, and the future of the psychedelics industry. In 2022, Colorado residents voted to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms for people 21 and older in 2022. The measure also green lighted state-regulated "healing centers" where participants can experience the drug under supervision. The governor says he hopes Colorado can take on a leading role for the rest of the country when it comes to the legal framework, and research, around psychedelic mushrooms. "Colorado has been a national leader in breaking through outdated laws around cannabis, and now we are doing the same for natural medicine," Polis said in a prepared statement.
