The study, by researchers from the Karolinska Institute, among others, included 35 people with moderate to severe recurrent depression. They were randomly assigned to receive either a single dose of psilocybin, which is found in so-called magic mushrooms, or the vitamin niacin.
During treatment, the participants were asked to lie down with an eye mask on and listen to music. All participants also received psychotherapeutic support on five occasions.
The effect was measured using a depression rating scale. Eight days after treatment, symptoms had decreased by 9.7 points in the psilocybin group and by 2.4 points in the niacin group. The positive effect was maintained after 42 days.
The researchers point out that the long-term effects of the treatment are uncertain.
