Psychedelics Link to Decreased Depression and Anxiety

In a recent blog by PsyPost, Eric Dolan dives into recent developments about psychedelic drugs. With new findings from the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science there is a possibility psychedelics are reducing depression and anxiety for individuals.

Checking into the abstract of the the journal I discovered that they are talking about increasing a persons psychological flexibility. Studies showed that increasing your psychological flexibility you can “fully mediated the effect of mystical and insightful experiences.” Which in return may decrease depression and anxiety following a psychedelic experience (Science Direct).

“Psychological flexibility is about being open to your moment-by-moment experiences, being present in your life, and doing what matters in the face of barriers/obstacles including emotional ones. Psychedelic experiences are associated with increasing one’s ability to engage in this way,” said study author Alan K. Davis, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University and adjunct assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The researchers surveyed 2,120 individuals who had used psilocybin, LSD or DMT. Out of that, 985 said they had “experienced a change in anxiety or depression as a result of a psychedelic experience” (PsyPost).

It’s not quite the majority, but the numbers show the possibility of reduced anxiety or depression with the help of psychedelic drugs.

“Emerging evidence support the possibility that psychological flexibility is an important theory that could inform clinical practice with psychedelic assisted psychotherapy,” said Davis.

As more and more evidence is being collected to protect the claim surrounding psychedelic drugs reducing depression and anxiety, we can’t help but think of the possibilities. Both Denver, CO and Oakland, CA have decriminalized psilocybin, or psychedelic mushrooms in 2019 (US News). With that, there can be further advancements in understanding psilocybin mushrooms and the human body.

Jeremy Daniel, an assistant professor at South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy states in the article by US News States Consider Decriminalizing Magic Mushrooms:

“Research has shown a possible decrease in depressive mood symptoms as well as a decrease in suicidality, betterment of anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder and a decrease in cravings for alcohol and nicotine.”

With the work of progressivism one day will be able to identify some of todays unanswered questions regarding our mind, body and the odd consumption of nature.