Man Quit High-profile Job to create Psychedelic Pills for Depression

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A pharmaceutical executive quit his job in 2022 to lead a company that researches magic mushroom chemical to treat depression. Kabir Nath collaborated with a startup to research psychedelic pills as a cure to treatment-resistant depression. The move came after he found that a third of patients with depression are resistant to anti-depressants.

Kabir Nath collaborated with Compass Pathways, a startup that had patented a synthetic version of psiliocybin, a hallucinogenic compound that is found in magic mushrooms. This can alter moods and perceptions once consumed but the drug is yet to receive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. COMP360 which is their hallucinogenic pill will publically launch once it is cleared by the FDA. While brain-imaging has shown that psychedelics reorganize brain networks, there is still evidence to be found on the effects of this particular strain. 

Treatment-Resistant Depression

TRD is a type of major depressive disorder (MDD)  that happens when at least two different anti-depressants fail to improve your condition. MDD is a pretty common mental health condition and shares the same symptoms as TRD including depressed mood, disturbed sleep and appetite changes. While no specific causes have been attributed to its cause, stress is a factor that can influence TRD. People with TRD  are more vulnerable to physical health conditions like autoimmune disease, heart disease, thyroid and cerebrovascular disease. People with Treatment-Resistant Depression will also commonly show these symptoms.

• Severe symptoms
• Longer depressive episodes
• Anxiety
• Higher number of depressive episodes in lifetime
• Low-ability to experience pleasure
• Suicidal ideation and behavior

Read More: Is Deep Brain Stimulation the Key to Treating Treatment-Resistant Depression?

How To Know if you have TRD

TRD is diagnosed after two anti-depressants have failed to work effectively to control depressive episodes and conditions. However, in some people it may just be a matter of time instead of failed medication. In cases where the effect of medicine is taking longer than expected, it is better to consult a specialist or a get a secondary diagnosis. A few other steps to follow include

• Giving more time to current medication
• Increase dosage with expert approval
• Switch to another anti-depressant

Read More: Poor Sleep Responsible For New Type of Depression

What is Psiliocybin in Magic Mushrooms

It is a chemical present in this specific psychedelic version of mushrooms with a variety of effects including euphoria and hallucinations. It is also often used as a recreational drug and is categorised as a substance with a potential for drug abuse. This works by connecting to and activating serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. These are the parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition and reception. It can also distort perceptions and change sensory perception depending on individual ability. While the substance shows promising signs to cure depression, addiction and end stage cancer, research is still ongoing. While it has shown in some studies to reduce and calm depressive disorders, the risks vary too.

• Fear
• Agitation
• Psychosis
• Confusion
• Delirium
• Schizophrenia-like syndromes

Read More: Life After Psychosis: The Rehabilitation of Patients with Schizophrenia

Conclusion

While the verdict on the COMP360 psychedelic pills is yet to reach a verdict, studies show that there are other ways to treat and gradually heal treatment-resistant depression. This includes better lifestyle habits including traditional methods like meditation, yoga and ayurveda. Several reports also hint at choosing better routines and disciplined habits that limit access to depressive episodes or triggers including less screen-time, regulated social settings or exposure, healthy diet and sleep schedules, etc. India is currently grappling with a treatment gap for mental health challenges and it becomes critical for dependency on drugs and therapies to be analysed.