'Magic mushrooms NOT safe treatment for depression yet' - SA Society of Psychiatrists

Clarence Ford speaks with Dr Bavi Vythilingum of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP).

Listen below.

The psychedelic drug psilocybin has been trialled as a treatment for mental health disorders such as severe depression, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While it has shown promise, SASOP warns it is not risk-free.

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Vythilingum says that industry professionals need more time to work out how to use this safely so it can be an effective treatment.

At this stage, it is still in the research phase and a long process must be followed before it can be used.

She adds that using psilocybin in the wrong way can have terrible consequences.

“We have been hearing about unfortunate incidents where people have injured themselves, people have been hurt, and people have become mentally ill from using psilocybin incorrectly.”

- Dr Bavi Vythilingum

Certain medical reasons make it unsafe to use without medical supervision.

For example, if you take other psychiatric medication you will need to flush it all out of your system before you can safely take psilocybin.

“If you are going to take psilocybin, or are thinking about taking psilocybin, it is important to talk to your doctor.”

- Dr Bavi Vythilingum

“We cannot prescribe it. It is illegal for us... but we can give you information.” 

- Dr Bavi Vythilingum

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.