Scientists: Psychedelics Can Reduce Symptoms of Mood & Affective Disorders

By: Julie

The Cleveland Leader

Originally appeared at:
http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/14391

According to scientists, drugs like LSD, ketamine, and magic mushrooms can be cures for depression and other psychiatric disorders. Three new, unrelated studies have all come to similar conclusions, finding medicinal benefits to these popular psychedelic drugs.

A new article published in the September issue of Nature says:

“Psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin [found in magic mushrooms], and ketamine have led to renewed interest in the clinical potential of psychedelics in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. Recent behavioral and neuroimaging data show that psychedelics modulate neural circuits that have been implicated in mood and affective disorders, and can reduce the clinical symptoms of these disorders. These findings raise the possibility that research into psychedelics might identify novel therapeutic mechanisms.”

On a similar note, another research team is studing ketamine, also known as “Special K”, at Yale. They’ve come up with similar results. Neuroscientist Ron Duman spoke with Scientific American and said:

“Ketamine…can oppose or reverse the effects of depression,” for up to seven days per dose.

A third study conducted by pharmacologist Charles Nichols of Louisiana State University has discovered promising medical benefits of psilocybin. He has found that its a pretty good anti-inflammatory.

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