Psychedelics & Cannabis: No Proven Benefit for Depression

0:00This is Cory with the story. Keeping Adelaide in the know, you're listening to Adelaide News today. Three new studies cast doubt on using psychedelics, like psilocybin, LSD, peyldi, and ayahuasca, or cannabis, to treat depression and other mental health issues. Researchers found no solid evidence these substances work better than standard antidepressants, and they warned the drugs might not help, or could even worsen symptoms. Two papers published in JAMA Psychiatry review clinical trials on psychedelics for depression. They showed these drugs performed about the same as traditional treatments, with unclear long-term benefits and some small risks. A separate study in the Lancet looked at 54 trials on cannabis and cannabinoids, finding zero evidence they ease depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Experts point out big challenges in studying these substances. It's hard to run proper double-blind trials because participants can usually tell if they got the real drug or a placebo due to the obvious effects.

1:02Even careful designs, like using low doses as controls, often fail to fool people. In Australia, prescriptions for psychedelics and medicinal cannabis are climbing fast for mental health care. Changes by the therapeutic goods administration last year made psilocybin and MDMA easier to access as medicines, following similar easing for. Cannabis since 2016. Researchers call for more high-quality studies before jumping in. They say these options should never be first-line treatments and must pair with therapy to unpack experiences safely. With risks like triggering psychosis, caution is key until evidence catches up. DNA is brought to you by our sponsor link in the description. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly. Built for nighttime listening. S-O-L-I. SoleyPillow.com.