You might have heard of the hallucinogenic drug called ‘Magic Mushrooms’ which is referred to as psilocybin, but did you know that research may suggest that the psychedelic drug could be used to relieve some symptoms of depression?
Recent studies have indicated that psilocybin may help in treating depression due to its action on the serotonin system in the brain which is linked to the regulation of mood. The hallucinogenic works by activating serotonin receptors which can affect your mood by adjusting your anxiety and levels of happiness.
A recent early-stage study conducted by the Imperial College London’s Centre for Psychedelic Research measured participants mood when taking psilocybin, it was the subject of a BBC Two documentary ‘The Psychedelic Drug Trial’ which is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
In fact, in some countries like Jamaica, where psilocybin is legal, people can go on week long psychedelic-retreats with the aim of facing their mental health conditions.
For many people with depression, they may find that antidepressants cause undesirable side-effects, such as a low sex drive or dizziness, or that they stop working over time or don’t work in the first place.
With many antidepressants working in a similar way, it can be very frustrating for those living with depression when antidepressants do not work for them. It’s hoped that psychedelics like psilocybin could be a viable alternative treatment for depression.
MAC Clinical Research in Merseyside is currently recruiting for a new study that involves testing of trial medication COMP360 which is a man-made form of the psychedelic drug psilocybin. As part of the early stages of medication development, healthy volunteers are required for this Phase 1 clinical trial.
If you are aged between 18-55 with a BMI of 18.5 to 30 and are in good physical and mental health, you may be eligible for this study.
Eligible participants will receive between £1000 and £1710 plus reasonable travel expenses. To register your interest in this study, visit our website.
