Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms, is gaining attention for its potential to treat depression. Traditional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been widely used for years, but they carry many risks. A recent study found that psilocybin was comparable to or better than SSRIs in treating depression.

Researchers assigned 59 people with moderate-to-severe depression to one of two groups. One group received two 25-milligram doses of psilocybin, and the other received a six-week course of escitalopram—a widely prescribed SSRI. Both groups received six months of psychological support. At the end of the trial, the researchers assessed the participants' depressive symptoms.

They found that both groups experienced lasting reductions in depression severity over six months. However, participants in the psilocybin group had greater improvements in social functioning, connectedness, and life meaning than the escitalopram group.

The findings from this small study bolster other research demonstrating the beneficial mental health effects of psilocybin. Psilocybin stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain, promoting mood, perception, and thought pattern changes, potentially reducing symptoms of depression. Learn more about psilocybin’s effects on depression in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.