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A psychedelic medicine performs well against depression

84 points by vinni2

by _alternator_

9 subcomments

The fact that they are using a synthetic version likely means they have constructed a molecule that’s patented or otherwise IP protected. I’m always torn about this, because it means that a cheap, globally available compound (psylocibin) which was what inspired this company to begin with when the founders used it on their son will remain medically inaccessible, possibly at Schedule I in the US, while this startup’s compound may end up being covered by insurance and rake in piles of cash.
I get that it takes a lot of money to prove the efficacy of drugs. But there should be a better way to open some of these chemicals up and acknowledge the community that has worked hard, often at great personal and reputational risk, to demonstrate that these well-known drugs offer powerful options to treat a range of psychiatric illnesses.

by zamalek

3 subcomments

What people get wrong is that you don't just trip balls and get cured. Re-integration therapy is vital for lasting effects. Grabbing some shrooms and digging in is recreation, which is perfectly fine, but don't fool yourself or anyone else by suggesting it's for treatment.

by jesse__

0 subcomment

As someone who accidentally discovered the anti-depressive effects of psilocybin in my early 20s, I approve this message!

by candiddevmike

5 subcomments

I believe there have been other studies that prove this for not just the synthetic. Yet we are all supposed to accept the "facts" that psilocybin (and cannabis) are considered schedule 1 illicit substances (high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use).

by SunshineTheCat

1 subcomments

I know it will not "solve" every case of depression, however, I really wish people who don't already, would try going outside and/or exercising regularly.
Anecdotal I know, but it seems like nearly every person I know who does both are rarely if ever depressed.
While the people I've known who do struggle with depression rarely if ever leave home.
Again, I know this isn't a catch all for all cases, however, I've seen far too many people turn to meds/substances when lifestyle changes could be all that's required.
It's also a couple of things that only have positive side effects as opposed to most of the medicated approaches people take.

by tsoukase

0 subcomment

There are many dimensions and possible pitfalls here. Uncertain mechanism of action, objectionable comparison arms, the high-bar goal of resistant depression that might lead to failure. This seems like a mix situation of a new type of antidepressant (like agomelatin which was of modest effect) and cannabis (which is traded as painkiller but people use it for recreation).

by yewenjie

2 subcomments

Does anyone know if it is just synthetic psilocybin or a psilocybin-like molecule?

by cpncrunch

0 subcomment

Non-paywalled version here: https://qz.com/compass-pathways-psilocybin-fda-clinical-tria...
Looks like the paper hasn't been published yet, so there isn't really much detail, including blinding effectiveness (which is typically a problem for psychedelics).

by helterskelter

1 subcomments