Psilocybin shows promise as an antidepressant for major depressive disorder, with studies reporting high treatment effect sizes. However, the exact mechanism by which it alleviates depression and the role of the psychedelic experience itself remain unclear. No severe adverse events were observed in the reviewed studies, but results are considered preliminary due to limitations. Several safety and utility questions require further research.
A 32-year-old man with no prior mental health problems amputated both of his testicles by hand after his first use of LSD combined with alcohol. Six months later, he had not developed any psychiatric disorder. This case shows that even a single first use of LSD with alcohol can lead to severe intoxication and extreme self-harm.