Psilocybin, a psychedelic substance, is currently being explored as a potential treatment for various mental illnesses. 

Researchers are conducting clinical trials to investigate its therapeutic effects when administered alongside psychological support. 

The results from these trials suggest that a single dose of psilocybin under controlled conditions, may offer a safe and promising approach to managing mental health conditions that have been difficult to treat with conventional methods. 

Anecdotal reports and preliminary research indicate its potential benefits in conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and anorexia nervosa.

The Wire’s Bianca Mulheron spoke to Professor Christopher Langmead,  Deputy Director, and Better Medicines Theme Leader of the Neuromedicines Discovery Centre at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) about how the use of psilocybin in therapeutic treatment works, and the future of how this medicine can improve and evolve. 

Image: Image courtesy Getty Images

Produced By: Bianca Mulheron

Featured In Story: Professor Christopher Langmead,  Deputy Director, and Better Medicines Theme Leader of the Neuromedicines Discovery Centre at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS)

First aired on The Wire, Monday 31 July 2023