5 ms·
At the moment, there's nowhere near enough research yet to know the potential downsides of using psilocybin to treat depression. So far, there's only been one s
by ogoldhill 8y ago
At the moment, there's nowhere near enough research yet to know the potential downsides of using psilocybin to treat depression. So far, there's only been one study with 19 participants and no control group. It could be hugely successful or, as with any drug, it could come with possible side effects.
- sk5t 8y agoWhat would be the scientific usefulness of a control group? It's my understanding that the effect could not reasonably be confused with placebo. There are plenty of other studies on treatment of depression; although, there is always the slight risk of a general societal upwelling of good feelings or its complement.
- ogoldhill 8y agoPsilocybin treatment is given in a therapist's office in conjunction with therapy so, yes, there could well be very positive effects for patients having that therapy experience with a placebo.
- pbhjpbhj 8y agoOnly one study on psilocybin? Globally? Ever? That's kinda amazing; not even studies in v long-term [mental] health of [former] users? Edit: Google Scholar shows hundreds of studies, one on the first page (for me) has >700 citations.
- achileas 8y agoOn humans using regular consumption? Such research is notoriously hard to get funding and materials for - much easier on animal models, in the US at least. There's a reason much of the current research (which is still too little) into psychedelics is done outside the US.
- ddoolin 8y agoCan the U.S. (or companies/groups/organizations) within use those outside studies to justify things like this? Or is there some requirement that they be conducted here?
- ogoldhill 8y agoOne study on psilocybin as a treatment for depression! Not on psilocybin overall. Link to the one existing study is in my article.