>> i felt like it was destroying my life. >> reporter: in 2012, bazer entered a study to treat anxiety and depression in cancer patients using the hallucinogenic drug psyilocybin, the active ingredient in certain mushrooms. dr. stephen ross directs addiction studies at n.y.u. langone and lead the study. >> the idea was drugs, which were known to induce spiritual or these unusual mystical states of consciousness, might help people who were having this domain of distress. >> reporter: bazer took the medication in this treatment room with therapists present for support. during the session, she saw her fear inside her body. >> and as soon as i visualized the fear, i became furious. in my mind i screamed, "who the hell do you think you are? i won't be eaten alive." from that moment, the fear was gone. >> reporter: you took control. >> i took control. and it was gone. >> reporter: the n.y.u. study, and a second one at john hopkins, followed a total of 80 patients for six months after a single dose of psyilocybin. there was lasting reduction of anxiety and depression in 60% to 80% of the pati