FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Psilocybin Shows Promise as Alternative to SSRIs for Depression Treatment

8 months ago

• A recent study indicates that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, offers comparable long-term benefits to escitalopram for treating depression. • Psilocybin outperformed escitalopram in enhancing psychosocial functioning, including a greater sense of meaning in life and improved social connectedness. • Researchers emphasize that psilocybin is still experimental and should only be administered in controlled environments due to potential risks. • Experts caution that not everyone is a candidate for psilocybin treatment, particularly those with a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder.