Psychedelic drugs could revolutionise current treatment options for mental health conditions as growing evidence demonstrates the profound effects of Psilocybin and MDMA. Over 100 studies in the US have examined the effectiveness of psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) for depression and MDMA for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both psychedelics, when used under a medically controlled environment have displayed remarkable outcomes for such conditions.
Psilocybin turns off parts of the brain that enable new brain pathways to evolve, permitting emotions to be “reworked and regenerated”, Dr. Stephen Bright for Psychedelic Research in Science and Medicine (PRISM).
“By allowing an individual to experience psychedelics in a therapeutic setting, they have the opportunity to change rigid their ways of thinking and provide new insight or realisations in their lives.”. Research has shown in some cases up to 67 percent of individuals treated it MDMA no longer met the criteria for PTSD anymore.
Unfortunately, the illicit nature of psychedelics means many people are relying on self-administering and sourcing underground psychotherapists. Clinical trials have a lengthy yet necessary way to go in Australia. Researchers are wanting to ensure safety, efficacy and proper integration into the Australian healthcare system for equitable access.
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Image: The Advocate
