Treatments with Substances

Exhibited above is one example of a substance that is undergoing research concerning its usage and treating depression. Shown above are "magic" mushrooms given that name due to their psychedelic properties due to containing the chemical psilocybin which alters the senses when consumed. For centuries, indigenous populations have used psychedelic properties from plants such as mushrooms or cacti to expand their state of consciousness in order to have spiritual experiences that tie into traditions and religion. Back in the 1950's and 60's, there was extensive research done to determine psychedelics impact on depression and terminal illnesses (Byock). However, due to the mass, unregulated use of psychedelics society experienced a setback in these studies, as they became classified as illicit substances (Jauhar). Jauhar discusses studies that have shown the impact of Ketamine on alleviating depression and the use of MDMA to help treat PTSD, which shows potential towards a new method of permanently treating these mental disorders. In a study of the rapid antidepressant effect of a psychedelic called ayahuasca, the results shows that participants showed significant antidepressant effects of ayahuasca in comparison with a placebo (Palhano-Fontes, et al.). Kuypers elaborates on studies done in the past concerning psychedelic micro-dosing in the 1950's, in which there was little effect on mood states. However, despite this she discusses how micro-dosing led to participants being more present and mindful, which indirectly led to lessened symptoms of depression. Perhaps indigenous populations know something that we do not when it comes to using certain substances to be more in-tune with ourselves and the environment around us. As technology continues evolving, scientists will continue to research the effects of various substances on mental disorders in hopes of finding an effective cure that can permanently reduce depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.