Breaking the Shackles of Anxiety and Depression: How Psychedelic Experiences May Improve Mental Health

A machine learning analysis conducted by researchers on the non-clinical experiences with psychedelic drugs of almost 1,000 survey respondents showed that those who scored highest on questionnaires measuring the mystical and insightful quality of their experiences, reported consistent relief from symptoms of anxiety and depression.Scientific study suggests a challenging trip can have a positive outcome.

“Sometimes the challenge arises because it’s an intensely mystical and insightful experience that can, in and of itself, be challenging,” said senior author Alan Davis, assistant professor and director of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education in The Ohio State University College of Social Work.

The sample included users of psilocybin , LSD, Ayahuasca, mescaline, peyote cactus and 5-MeO-DMT, the natural psychedelic substance in the venom of the Colorado River toad, with the estimated dose level of the single drug use they recalled.High scoring, combining high scores on the mystical and insightful assessments with moderate scores on the challenging assessment.

“The group that had the highest insightful and mystical experiences and low challenging experiences showed the most benefit in terms of remission of anxiety and depression symptoms and other longer lasting benefits to their life,” said first author Aki Nikolaidis, an affiliate of Ohio State’s Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education and a research scientist in the Center for the Developing Brain at the Child Mind Institute.

A few trends also stood out: The positive scoring group whose experience could be considered optimal – high scores on mysticism and insight and low scores on challenges – tended to be younger than participants in the other groups. Among individuals who scored highest on challenging experiences, there was a higher proportion of people who had taken large doses of the psychedelic drugs.

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Newcastle hospitals told to improve care for people with mental health needsAlthough inspectors found staff were kind, they said patients were not properly assessed.
Source: bbchealth - 🏆 143. / 63 Read more »

These Phrases May Be a Tipoff for Poor Mental Health in AthletesNew research finds that your self-talk could be an indication of emotional challenges.
Source: runnersworld - 🏆 19. / 71 Read more »

5 Rare Mental Conditions You May Not Know AboutLearning about rare mental conditions can help influence treatment and grow support.
Source: DiscoverMag - 🏆 459. / 53 Read more »