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- Psychedelic Journal Watch
Psychedelic Journal Watch
Keeping health professionals abreast of the latest research in psychedelic medicine
I. Psilocybin vs Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Psilocybin is as good or better than escitalopram (Lexapro) for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), according to The Lancet.
In this double-blind, randomized, controlled, phase 2 trial, 59 participants were given either 2 doses of psilocybin with psychotherapy or daily escitalopram (Lexapro) with psychotherapy over the course of 6 weeks.
6 months after receiving treatment, both groups reported similar sustained improvement in depression symptoms. Individuals who received psilocybin therapy reported greater improvement in functioning, psychological connectedness, and meaning-in-life compared to those who received escitalopram (Lexapro) with therapy.
According to Tommaso Barba of Imperial College London, one of the lead researchers, “SSRIs work well, but not for everyone. They are also associated with some side effects. … This work implies that psilocybin … seems to offer a real alternative, and perhaps additional benefits, to people who are worried about taking conventional antidepressants.”
II. Meditating on Psychedelics
Combining dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and meditation can lead to greater emotional breakthroughs and psychological insight, according to the Journal of Psychopharmacology.
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 40 experienced meditators were given either 1 dose of DMT or placebo over the course of a 3-day meditation retreat.
Those who received DMT reported greater levels of mystical experiences, non-duel awareness, emotional breakthrough, and psychological insight compared to those who received placebo.
According to the authors, “this study provides novel evidence supporting the notion that … [DMT] has the potential to enhance meditation through an increased sense of insight, transcendence, and meaning.”
III. The Role of Relaxation in Psychedelic Therapy
Relaxation during the psychedelic experience predicts antidepressant effects, according to the Journal of Psychopharmacology.
In this open-label study, a subset of 24 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) received either 15mg of psilocybin or 100mcg LSD in combination with psychotherapy; subjective drug effects and depression scores were measured.
Patients with TRD showed a 29% improvement in symptoms after psychedelic-assisted therapy (with psilocybin or LSD). Greater relaxation during psychedelic dosing sessions predicted greater improvements in depression symptoms.
According to the authors, “Importantly, psilocybin and LSD were similarly effective in improving depressive symptoms. … The potential role of relaxation during psychedelic-assisted therapy deserves further discussion, as it emerged as a particularly strong predictor of antidepressant response.”
In 1956, the term “psychedelic” was coined by Humphry Osmond, a psychiatrist, researcher and professor. According to Osmond, “psychedelic” means “mind-manifesting.”
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