Researchers found that psilocybin may have potential as a treatment for those suffering from extreme depression. Psilocybin is the psychoactive component in magic mushrooms, and research interest in its potential therapeutic uses for treatment resistant depression (TRD) patients has recently increased. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a single 25 mg dose of C360 psilocybin decreased depression scores significantly. Findings such as these give more credibility and popularity to retreats like the Tangerine Retreat in the Netherlands where they use psilocybin to help their participants.
This multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, Phase 2B clinical trial started in 2018 to determine the safety and effectiveness of a single dose of COMP360 psilocybin. The researchers compared participants given one dose of 25mg or 10mg. The control group received 1mg. 79 participants were in the 25-mg group, 75 in the 10-mg group, and 79 in the 1-mg group. Participants also received psychological therapy.
The Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score ranges from 0 to 60 with higher scores indicating more severe depression. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 3 in the total score on the MADRS. Secondary endpoints included response at week 3 (≥50% decrease from baseline in the MADRS total score), remission at week 3 (MADRS total score ≤10), and sustained response at 12 weeks. The 25 mg dose clinically resulted in significant rapid reduction in symptoms of depression in comparison to the 1 mg dose at 3 weeks. Although C360 psilocybin was generally well tolerated, some mild adverse events occurred in roughly 77% of participants in the form of headache, nausea, or dizziness.
10-30% of individuals with depression have TRD. TRD patients have tried at least two or more medications that proved ineffective in treating depression symptoms. Compass Pathways is a U.K.-based mental health company that developed COMP360 to treat TRD. Compass Pathways is the major funding source of this study. More extensive trials are necessary to determine the efficacy and safety of C360 Psilocybin.
Sources: Eureka News Alert, New England Journal of Medicine