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Psilocybin Therapy Shows Remarkable PTSD Remission in Veterans
30 Jul
Summary
- Nine of twelve veterans achieved PTSD remission after psilocybin therapy.
- The trial combined psychotherapy with two synthetic psilocybin doses.
- Mild headache was the most commonly reported side effect.
A pilot study has revealed promising results for military veterans suffering from severe, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers at The Ohio State University found that a significant majority of participants experienced remission after undergoing therapy involving psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms.
The 11-week trial involved combining psychotherapy with two doses of synthetic psilocybin, followed by integration therapy. This innovative approach led to nine of the twelve veterans no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD one month after treatment. Stacey Armstrong, a study co-author, described these results as striking for a population with such challenging conditions.
While the study's primary aim was to assess safety, lead researcher Alan Davis noted that the findings strongly support the need for larger clinical trials. The most common side effect reported was a mild headache. Three veterans did not achieve full remission, though two showed some improvement.
This research emerges amidst growing interest in psychedelic medicines. The Food and Drug Administration has expedited reviews for several psychedelic-based treatments. Psilocybin, though currently a Schedule I controlled substance, is at the forefront of this evolving research landscape.
