Special Episode 5. Psilocybin assisted psychotherapy with Dr Margaret Ross

The burden of mental health to Western society ranks amongst the leading causes of overall clinical presentations and the impact of anxiety, depression, addiction, substance abuse and PTSD can be devastating both to individuals and society. Recognition that psychedelic therapies may offer a profound benefit in the treatment of these conditions has rekindled a renaissance in their use, in particular of psilocybin from Psilocybe cubensis or “magic” mushrooms. The Australian Psilocybin Assisted Psychotherapy study at St Vincent’s focusing on end of life anxiety and depression is providing fascinating insights into the place and future use of these compounds.

In this conversation, we are joined by the energetic and dynamic Dr Margaret Ross, a clinical psychologist with an interest in palliative care and cancer care, whose efforts in stimulating interest in the use of psychedelics was rewarded by the funding of the above study at St Vincent’s Hospital. Rather than proving addictive or damaging to mental health psychedelics have been shown to protect against it. Dr Margaret Ross expands their potential use in this fascinating conversation. Please join me on this podcast.

Useful references include:

- Dr Margaret Ross – www.svha.org.au

- ABC podcast: All In The Mind, Psychedelics Addiction and Mental Health with Sana Qadar, 2nd February 2019

- How To Change Your Mind: What The New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence - Michael Pollan, Penguin 2018

- How ecstasy and psilocybin are shaking up psychiatry – www.nature.com

To be a guest on the show or provide some feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au

Dr Luke Crantock MBBS, FRACP, is a gastroenterologist in practice for over 25 years. He is the founder of The Centre for GI Health, based in Melbourne Australia and is passionate about educating General Practitioners and patients on disease prevention and how to manage and improve their digestive health.