Magic mushroom compound psilocybin shows ‘promise’ in depression 15th April 2021 A new study has found that psilocybin, the active compound found in magic mushrooms, could be at least as effective as a leading antidepressant medication in people with moderate-to-severe depression. The study, carried out by researchers at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of the ‘psychedelic’ compound. Researchers compared two sessions of psilocybin therapy with a six-week course of a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor called escitalopram in 59 people with moderate-to-severe depression. Study volunteers received an oral dose of psilocybin in a specialist clinical setting, while listening to a curated music playlist. They were guided through their experiences by a psychological support team, including registered psychiatrists.