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CAMH to study whether ‘magic mushrooms’ can treat depression without psychedelic effect

In this file photo, magic mushrooms are seen in a grow room at the Procare farm in Hazerswoude, central Netherlands. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)

TORONTO – The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health says it has been awarded Canada’s first federal grant to study the effects of a psychedelic chemical component in “magic mushrooms” on treatment-resistant depression.

The psychiatric institute says researchers will explore whether experiencing the effects of psilocybin — found in “magic mushrooms” — is necessary for it to have antidepressant effects.

The clinical trial will recruit 60 adults with treatment-resistant depression over three years and administer a full dose of psilocybin, plus a blocker to prevent the psychedelic effects, to a random third of participants.

Dr. Ishrat Husain, head of CAMH’s clinical trials unit and principal investigator of the new study, says there’s a “growing interest and body of knowledge” on using psychedelic drugs for treating mental illness and addictions.

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He says earlier clinical trials involving the chemical component have shown vast and enduring antidepressant effects when combined with intensive psychotherapy.

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Husain says if the study shows psilocybin can treat depression without inducing a psychedelic state, it could remove the need for psychological support during treatment, which is time-intensive and costly.

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