'Magic mushrooms' could soothe anxiety and depression, doctors say

NEW YORK -- A single dose of psychedelic 'magic mushrooms' can make people with severe anxiety and depression feel better for months, according to research out of NYU and Johns Hopkins University.

Doctors with NYU and John Hopkins performed independent tests with the illegal ingredient psilocybin and found it helped cancer patients relax and eased signs of depression and anxiety in 80 percent of the patients studied. In some cases - the effects lasted months.

Therapists used low lights and soothing music for the magic mushroom trip which lasted a few hours. Evidence suggests it impacted parts of the brain impacted by serotonin.