The UMCG is currently conducting research into magic mushrooms for depression.

Now also in the Netherlands research

We have been claiming for some time that we use magic mushrooms during psychedelic trip sessions to combat depression. Sometimes we get strange looks for it, but we are on the verge of medical breakthroughs through research. Will we finally get the confirmation that we and other psychonauts already know?

UMCG study

Patients with persistent depression can participate in an experimental treatment by the UMCs Groningen and Utrecht using psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms and truffles.

,"Treatment with psychedelics seems promising," says
psychiatrist and professor Robert Schoevers. "In recent years, the following took place
no major breakthroughs take place in the treatments while these
persistent depressions do pose a major problem for patients and
their environment. These psychedelics work differently than the current ones
antidepressants and the effect could also occur much faster. But
There is still much that we do not know.''’

At this moment, they receive
patients with depression usually conversations, psychotherapy and sometimes
also medicines, so-called antidepressants. However, that doesn't help with
everyone.

The two academic hospitals are going to give a group of patients a 'controlled' treatment. First, they will have counseling sessions, followed by a single session in which the patients take the psilocybin. Two specially trained therapists will guide the subsequent experience.

Colors and sounds

Psychiatrist Metten Somers of the UMC Utrecht: ”The substance helps to break fixed thought patterns. In addition, psilocybin amplifies and changes the way colors and sounds are perceived. The sense of time is also very different. The experience lasts about 4 to 6 hours in total.”

A treatment is not without
risks. "But if you the resources in a controlled environment
used, they are not dangerous," says Somers. "The treatments
are given exclusively in the presence of experienced and trained
therapists. Because during a session it is possible that a patient
experiences anxiety or confusion. The therapists are trained to deal with this.
to go.”

Do not try at home

In the home environment
experimenting with mushrooms or truffles as a treatment for
The doctors therefore strongly advise against depression. "The period of anxiety
and confusion can take longer. Moreover, it is still unclear which
dosage is most effective.” Little is also known about how
People with a depressive disorder respond to psilocybin.

The research by the two UMCs is part of an international study. The study is taking place in the Netherlands (UMC Groningen and UMC Utrecht) and a number of other hospitals in Europe and North America, including England, Ireland, the United States, and Canada. A total of 216 patients will participate. The plan is for the first patients in the Netherlands to start this experimental treatment in March. Participating patients are selected via referrals, including general practitioners, psychiatrists, and mental health institutions.

Source

Better than in the hospital

Our trip therapy works better than hospital trials because, in addition to the trip, we also focus on exercise and nutrition. In this way, we address all pillars to combat depression.