Psychedelic drugs and treating mental illness

Scientists claim hallucinogens could help treat depression and anxiety, but not everyone is convinced

Psychedelic mushrooms and a human brain
Microdosing psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is said to help people deal with the stresses of everyday life
(Image credit: David Wall / Getty Images)

Psychedelics are often associated with the counterculture of the 1960s, embraced by hippies as a way to "turn on, tune in, drop out". Today, however, researchers believe that, used carefully, mind-altering drugs could help treat poor mental health.

Clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapies have been ongoing in the UK for several years, with centres such as King's College London and Imperial College London carrying out studies into their effectiveness. Meanwhile, in May, volunteers were being sought to take part in a Scottish phase of a worldwide clinical study into the use of psychedelics to treat depression.

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Elizabeth Carr-Ellis is a freelance journalist and was previously the UK website's Production Editor. She has also held senior roles at The Scotsman, Sunday Herald and Hello!. As well as her writing, she is the creator and co-founder of the Pausitivity #KnowYourMenopause campaign and has appeared on national and international media discussing women's healthcare.