Magic mushrooms’ psilocybin can alleviate severe depression when used with therapy

Nearly third of patients on largest trial using psychedelic compound went into rapid remission

The psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms can help alleviate severe depression when combined with psychotherapy, according to a trial that raises hopes for people failed by existing antidepressants.

Nearly a third of patients with severe depression went into rapid remission after a single 25mg dose of psilocybin followed by therapy sessions, which aimed to help patients identify causes and potential solutions to their depression, researchers said.