A clinical trial has found that one dose of hallucinogenic compound psilocybin, along with psychological support, can have significant antidepressant effects in cancer patients with major depressive disorder.
In the trial involving a starting number of 30 patients, which was reported in the American Cancer Society, half of the individuals studied showed sustained reduction in the type of depression explored in mental health training courses Blackpool run by providers such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/blackpool.
43% of the individuals also experienced a lasting reduction in their anxiety as a result of a single dose of the naturally occurring compound found in magic mushrooms alongside professional psychological support.
Depression and cancer
The trial recognised the link between depression and anxiety and people living with cancer. This is often due to a person’s fear and uncertainty about their prognosis and painful treatment processes. Depression and anxiety can be a response to fatigue, body image changes, loss of independence, and the emotional burden resulting from the diagnosis. The conditions can severely impact cancer patients’ lives and prevent treatments by making individuals prone to missing appointments or not following medical recommendations.
Anxiety and symptoms
Anxiety can also make physical symptoms worse, including insomnia, nausea, and pain. This can create a circle of distress, in addition to reducing energy and motivation and limiting how much a person will engage in day-to-day activities. It can also impact access to social support and lead to quality of life dips and, in some cases, less positive clinical outcomes.