Psilocybin reduces depression symptoms in head-to-head with SSRI

Trial findings described as an 'evidentiary milestone' come as the TGA orders an expert review into downscheduling psychedelic drugs

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, appears as good as an antidepressant in reducing depressive symptoms, according to findings from a small but groundbreaking UK study.

One of the few double-blind, randomised controlled trials comparing a psychedelic substance with conventional antidepressant, researchers found both agents were associated with reduced depression scores on a standard 16-item scale.