A fast-acting psychedelic drug could help treat depression and anxiety. This, from a Johns Hopkins University study that surveyed 362 adults.

Researchers found that the use of a synthetic psychedelic, 5-MeO-DMT, is associated with improvements in depression and anxiety when taken in a controlled setting. Approximately 80% of those surveyed reported these improvements.

The team says past research shows psychedelics can effectively treat depression and anxiety when administered alongside psychotherapy. However, this psychedelic could prove particularly beneficial, due to its fast action and short duration.

While these findings are promising, researchers say there is a need for further exploration into the short and long-term effects of this drug.

Source:

Davis, A. K., So, S., Lancelotta, R. et al. (2019). 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) used in a naturalistic group setting is associated with unintended improvements in depression and anxiety. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00952990.2018.1545024?journalCode=iada20