Australia to Treat Depression with Hallucinogenic Mushrooms and Ecstasy

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eunha] Hallucinogenic substances can now be used to treat mental illnesses. This follows the Australian authorities' approval to use hallucinogenic mushrooms and Ecstasy as treatments for depression and other mental disorders.

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the use of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance extracted from hallucinogenic mushrooms, and MDMA, commonly known as 'Ecstasy,' as treatments for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) starting from July, local media reported on the 4th (local time).

With this, Australia became the first country to approve these two substances as medicines. Until now, psilocybin and MDMA could only be used in strictly controlled clinical trials. Following this decision, Australian psychiatrists will be able to prescribe MDMA to PTSD patients and psilocybin to patients with depression.

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration explained, "This decision was made based on sufficient evidence that these two drugs are effective for certain patients," adding, "A new treatment option has emerged for patients who have not responded to existing therapies." Both substances will only be used under the supervision of authorized doctors in controlled medical environments, and any other use remains prohibited as before.

Academic research has long suggested that hallucinogens such as MDMA and psilocybin are effective in treating mental illnesses.