The psychiatric institute says researchers will investigate whether experiencing the effects of psilocybin – found in “magic mushrooms” – is necessary for it to have antidepressant effects. The clinical trial will recruit 60 adults with treatment-resistant depression for three years and give a full dose of psilocybin, plus a blocker to prevent psychedelic effects, to a third of the participants at random. Dr. Ishrat Husain, head of CAMH’s clinical trials unit and principal investigator of the new study, says there is “a growing interest and body of knowledge” about the use of psychedelic drugs to treat mental illness and addiction. He says previous clinical trials involving the chemical have shown tremendous and lasting antidepressant effects when combined with intensive psychotherapy. Husain says that if the study shows that psilocybin can treat depression without inducing a psychedelic state, it could eliminate the need for psychological support during treatment, which is time-consuming and expensive. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 27, 2022. SHARE:
