Psychedelic drug therapy study could pave the way for treating mental health disorders

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Experts Inside these jars are LSD and psilocybin, or the compound that makes magic mushrooms magic. They're powerful drugs that induce hallucinations.

[00:00:12]They're also now at the center of a major international study that could pave the way for more common use in the treatment of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.

[00:00:22]There's dozens and dozens of randomized clinical trials that are starting to show that they work better, potentially, than any other drug that exists.

[00:00:31]>> This study was led by researchers at McGill University and Mila, Quebec's artificial intelligence institute. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that psychedelic drugs that are different chemically produce the same effect on the brain. Experts say the significance is huge, and it could make it easier to prescribe these drugs for therapeutic treatment.

[00:00:53]>> I'm very, very excited about this study because I confirm what we already observe in animal studies. Dr. Gabriella Gobbi has studied the effects of psychedelics on animal brains for more than a decade. She says conventional pharmaceuticals only work on about 30% of mental health patients, and alternatives are needed. For these people, it's very important to offer something else, an alternative. The psychedelics, with or without psychotherapy, can be a new tool.

[00:01:26]>> I think that there's no arguing that these are incredibly helpful substances.

[00:01:30]Derek De Braga is a therapist who has worked with patients using psychedelics for several years. He says the benefits can be significant. People have been using these substances for thousands of years. We know the value of these substances. I think it matters how people are supported before, during, and after. It's not just the medicine. It's the container. It's the support system.

[00:01:52]It's the therapeutic relationship.

[00:01:53]Ultimately, researchers hope these psychedelics can eventually become more accessible. We hope to help how pharma companies and research do drug design. So, [clears throat] more patients with mental illnesses can get the help they desperately need. I'm Amanda Jelowicki, Global News, Montreal.