Early psychiatric studies during the 1950s through the 1960s suggest that hallucinogens may help relieve anxiety, enhance mood and treat other mental health problems. Research ended in the 1970s when the federal government criminalized psychedelic drugs like psilocybin – used recreationally under the street name ‘magic mushrooms’. However, the FDA has recently sanctioned research investigating the therapeutic benefits of hallucinogens. Now research reports that psilocybin may relieve the depression and anxiety of patients with advanced cancer.
The pilot study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, investigated the effectiveness of psilocybin on depressed and anxious patients with advanced-stage cancer. Researchers at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles and other California institutions administered a moderate dose of psilocybin (0.2 mg/kg) or placebo to 12 depressed and anxious patients with advanced-stage cancer during experimental treatment sessions. Beck Depression Inventory, Profile of Mood States and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory measures were obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that State-Trait Anxiety Inventory showed significantly decreased anxiety in most of the patients. Furthermore, the Beck Depression Inventory showed mood improvement after 6 months. There were no side effects associated with psilocybin.
“This study established the feasibility and safety of administering moderate doses of psilocybin to patients with advanced-stage cancer and anxiety,” the study authors write. “Some of the data revealed a positive trend toward improved mood and anxiety. These results support the need for more research in this long-neglected field.”
Exulin Supports Mental Health
Taking natural nutrients can help restore nutritional deficiencies associated with depression and anxiety.
Progressive Health’s Exulin helps relieve depression and support mental health. Exulin contains vitamin B6, methylcobalamin (vitamin B12), folic acid, L-phenylalanine, rhodiola rosea, St John’s Wort and gingko biloba.
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