$15m grant to test psychedelics for mental illness treatment
by MELISSA IARIA
NCA NEWSWIRE
MARCH 17, 2021
Clinical trials will explore using psychedelic drugs like magic mushrooms and ecstasy to treat Australians with debilitating mental illnesses under a $15m federal grant.
The grant, unveiled on Wednesday, is intended to kickstart research into the use of innovative therapies to combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorders, addictions and eating disorders.
An estimated four million Aussies experience a mental health disorder every year, and almost half of all Australians are affected at some point in their lifetime.
The most prevalent mental illnesses are anxiety disorders - affecting more than 14 per cent of adults a year - as well as depression and substance abuse disorders.
Evidence also suggests up to 12 per cent of Australians experience PTSD during their lifetime.
Many of the standard treatments for these illnesses can vary in their effectiveness and recovery rates, and there have been few advances in pharmaceutical discoveries.
However, the federal government has seized on strong evidence emerging internationally on the potential treatment of mental illnesses that are resistant to first-line treatments with substances such as ketamine, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy.
The evidence shows that the substances offer a promising new approach to treatment when used ina controlled environment and supported with psychological or psychiatric care.
Magic mushrooms have already been granted “breakthrough therapy” status to treat major
depressive disorder by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Health Minister Greg Hunt says the $15m grant, provided under the Medical Research Future Fund,
will help ensure Australia’s medical research is at the forefront of global innovation.
“The early results of trials in Australia and internationally are extremely encouraging, but more
research is desperately needed before these approaches can be used by psychiatrists outside of
controlled clinical trials,” Mr Hunt said.
“It is vital that we continue to support the search for new and better treatments for mental illness.
“This grant opportunity will boost local research into potentially lifesaving therapies and offers hope
all those suffering from mental illness, including our veterans and emergency service personnel
dealing with the devastating effects of PTSD.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman,
said mental health and suicide prevention was one of the government’s highest priorities.
“The prevalence and impact of mental illness is devastating for individuals, families and
communities,” he said.
“This bold initiative is about ensuring that we explore every avenue of potential treatment for
Australians diagnosed with a mental illness.”
Funding for the grant will be over three years from 2021-22, with project activity up to five years.
Applications close on July 21.
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