Magic mushrooms could combat depression, say Swiss boffins

London, Aug 19 (ANI): Swiss boffins have revealed that mind-bending drugs like LSD, ketamine and magic mushrooms could be used to treat people with depression.

Scientists at Zurich University said that the psychedelics could give patients 'a new perspective' helping them to see their pain and problems in a different light.

However, they warned the drugs should only be taken in small doses and combined with other treatments such as psychotherapy.

They added that research into the effects of psychedelic drugs had been restricted in the past, because of their negative reputation.

The key drugs scientists are hoping could help treat depression are lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), the horse tranquiliser ketamine, and psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient found in magic mushrooms.

"Psychedelics can give patients a new perspective - particularly when things like suppressed memories come up, and then they can work with that experience," the Sun quoted Franz Vollenweider, of Zurich University, who co-wrote a paper on the subject, as saying.

"The idea is that it (use of psychedelic drugs to treat patients with depression) would be very limited, maybe several sessions over a few months, not a long-term thing like other types of medication," Vollenweider added.

The study has been published in the Nature Neuroscience Journal. (ANI)