Take the Magic Bus to an OCD Cure

Researchers are investigating whether an LSD-like psychedelic could help people suffering from obssesive-compulsive disorder.

The BBC reports that Psilocybin -- found in magic mushrooms -- seemed to help some patients who "experienced transient relief from their OCD symptoms and one entered an extended period of remission lasting more than six months."

Why bother with such a drastic treatment? The story tells why:

… half of [regular] patients relapse when drugs are withdrawn and a quarter do not respond to conventional therapies at all.

Even when medication is effective, a 30-50% reduction in symptoms is the best that can be achieved.

And if the therapy and drugs don't work, invasive brain surgery is the only remaining option.

According to the story, the research is only at the preliminary stages of examining whether the treatment is safe. As one specialist points out, there are plenty of questions such as this one: what about flashbacks?

Another question: What do you know about the use of psychedelics in mental-illness research? Your friendly neighborhood intrepid Wired News reporter could use your thoughts (either right below or after the jump, depending on where you're reading this).

I'm going to be working on a story about what's new in research into psychedelics to help people with mental illness. If you're aware of such research (or working on it), drop me a note in the comments.

Meanwhile, check out this story and this one, both by my illustrious co-blogger Kristen Philipkoski, about this very same topic.

And for more fun -- from the "Woomba" to Bush-loving psychos to small penises in India -- check out today's full Bodyhack blog feed.