Can Psychedelics Treat Anxiety and Depression? | CNN's Cesar Marin on Damned Lies & Statistics

Are Psychedelics Ineffective in Treating Anxiety and Depression?

Well, maybe. Unless, ya know, you consider the facts…

1. Johns Hopkins Study on Psilocybin and Depression (2020)

• Findings: This study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy produced significant reductions in major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms. Approximately 71% of participants experienced a clinically significant reduction in depression severity, with 54% achieving full remission four weeks after treatment.
• Published In: JAMA Psychiatry
• Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine

2. NYU and Johns Hopkins Study on Cancer-Related Anxiety (2016)

• Findings: This study focused on patients with life-threatening cancer who experienced anxiety and depression. A single dose of psilocybin led to a rapid and sustained reduction in anxiety and depression. Approximately 80% of participants showed improvements six months after the treatment.
• Published In: Journal of Psychopharmacology
• Source: NYU Langone

3. Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) on MDMA and PTSD (2021)

• Findings: A landmark Phase 3 clinical trial found that MDMA-assisted therapy resulted in 67% of participants no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD after three sessions. Additionally, 88% of participants showed significant reductions in symptoms.
• Published In: Nature Medicine
• Source: MAPS

4. Imperial College London Study on Psilocybin and Brain Connectivity (2017)

• Findings: This research demonstrated that psilocybin significantly increased connectivity between different brain regions and reduced activity in the default mode network (DMN), often associated with rigid thought patterns. This effect was linked to the profound emotional experiences participants had, which contributed to long-term mental health improvements.
• Published In: Scientific Reports
• Source: Imperial College London

5. Yale University Study on Psilocybin and Neuroplasticity (2021)

• Findings: This study found that psilocybin significantly increased the number of dendritic spines on neurons in the prefrontal cortex of mice, which correlated with improvements in mood and behavior. This increase in neuroplasticity suggests that psilocybin may help the brain repair itself and form new connections, potentially explaining its antidepressant effects.
• Published In: Neuron
• Source: Yale University

6. Harvard Study on LSD and Cluster Headaches (2006)

• Findings: This study explored the effects of LSD and psilocybin on cluster headaches, a debilitating condition. It found that both substances were highly effective in reducing the frequency and severity of cluster headaches, providing relief for many patients.
• Published In: Neurology
• Source: Harvard Health

Join us in the pilot episode of Damned Lies & Statistics as we sit down with Cesar Marin, a former CNN producer turned entrepreneur and microdosing advocate. After three decades in television production, Cesar founded Cultivating Wisdom and MicrodosingOver50.com to help people over 50 harness the transformative power of psychedelics.

In this episode, we dive deep into some of the most pervasive myths about psychedelics, breaking down the truth behind these "damned lies":

🍄 Lie #1: "Psychedelics Have Always Been Seen as Dangerous and Stigmatized"

🍄 Lie #2: "Psychedelics Are More Dangerous Than Alcohol"

🍄 Lie #3: "Psychedelics Cause Irreparable Psychological Damage"

🍄 Lie #4: "Psychedelics Are Ineffective in Treating Anxiety and Depression"

Cesar shares his personal journey into the world of psychedelics and explains how microdosing has changed his life and the lives of countless others. We explore the history, safety, and groundbreaking potential of psychedelics in treating mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

If you’re curious about the real potential of psychedelics and want to debunk outdated stigmas, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Watch now to learn more about the science and the truth behind the world of psychedelics!