Now also research in the Netherlands
We have been saying for some time that we use magic mushrooms during a psychedelic trip session to combat depression. Sometimes we get strange looks for this, but we are on the brink of medical breakthroughs through research. Will we finally get the confirmation that we and other psychonauts already know?
UMCG research
Patients with persistent depression can participate in an experimental treatment at the Groningen and Utrecht University Medical Centers with psilocybin, the active substance in magic mushrooms and truffles.
"A treatment with psychedelics seems hopeful," says psychiatrist and professor Robert Schoevers. "There have been no major breakthroughs in treatments in recent years, while these persistent depressions do pose a major problem for patients and their environment. These psychedelics work differently than current antidepressants and the effect could also occur much faster. But there is still a lot we don't know.”
Currently, patients with depression usually receive discussions, psychotherapy and sometimes also medications, so-called antidepressants. That just doesn't help everyone.
The two academic hospitals will provide a group of patients with 'controlled' treatment. First they have conversations, then a one-off session in which the patients take the psilocybin. Two specially trained therapists guide the subsequent experience.
Colors and sounds
Psychiatrist Metten Somers from the UMC Utrecht: "The substance helps to break fixed thinking patterns. In addition, psilocybin amplifies and changes the way colors and sounds come in. The sense of time is also very different. The experience lasts about 4 to 6 hours in total.”
Treatment is not without risks. “But if you use the substances in a controlled environment, they are not dangerous,” says Somers. “The treatments are only given in the presence of experienced and trained therapists. Because during a session it is possible that a patient experiences fear or confusion. The therapists are trained to deal with this.”
Do not try at home
Doctors strongly advise against experimenting with mushrooms or truffles at home as a treatment for depression. “The period of fear and confusion may last longer. Moreover, it is still unclear which dosage is the most effective.” Little is also known about how people with depressive disorder respond to psilocybin.
The research by the two UMCs is part of an international study. The study takes 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 that the first patients in the Netherlands can start this experimental treatment in March. Participating patients are selected through referrers, including general practitioners, psychiatrists and mental health institutions.
Better than in the hospital
Our trip therapy works better than the trials in the hospital, because in addition to the trip we also pay attention to exercise and nutrition. In this way we tackle all pillars to combat depression.