For the first time in the world: psychedelic drugs for the treatment of mental disorders were legalized in Australia
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Australia was the first in the world to legalize psychedelic drugs for the treatment of acute mental disorders. It is about MDMA (ecstasy) and psilocybin, reports Bloomberg. From July 1, psychiatrists in Australia will be able to use ecstasy to treat post-traumatic stress disorders. Psilocybin will treat depression. Although both drugs are banned in the country, they will be allowed to be used for medical purposes. Photo: portokalis/Depositphotos This was done due to the lack of alternative effective treatment options for mental disorders. The reason was also that, according to preliminary data, these drugs may be unique for medical use, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said. Medicines can be obtained only by appointment of psychiatrists. However, cost can be a barrier for many patients with PTSD and depression. A full course of treatment can cost approximately 16.5 thousand US dollars. It is noted that research into the use of psychedelic substances for the treatment of mental illnesses is just beginning. The long-term benefits and risks of their use are currently unknown, so there are no predictions about how long initial improvements in patients will last. “This is a fundamental step in psychiatry, as it is one of the biggest evolutions in the last 70 years. Psychedelics provide a profound change in mood,” said Mike Musker, a member of the mental health and suicide prevention research and education group at the University of South Australia. Although the TGA said the therapeutic value of the chemicals has not been established, the restrictions they have placed on their use and the known benefits and risks make approval appropriate, it said. Outside of the narrow medical field, both MDMA and psilocybin remain illegal in Australia. We will remind, Australian scientists proved that physical activity can help in overcoming mild and moderate depression. Read also: Did the war kill morally? Find out if you have symptoms of PTSD
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