Mushrooms: Brain Boosters Or Busters?

Mushrooms have long been known to cause mind-altering effects, but how do they affect the brain? Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been found to massively disrupt functional connectivity in the cortex and subcortex, with some changes persisting for weeks. This disruption causes a desynchronization effect, where the brain's normal patterns of activity are scrambled, leading to distorted perceptions of self, space, and time. While the therapeutic effects of psilocybin are promising for treating mental illnesses such as depression and PTSD, more research is needed to fully understand how it affects the brain.

How psilocybin affects brain function

Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in mushrooms, has been shown to affect brain function in several ways. Firstly, it causes acute changes in how people perceive time, space, and the self. This is due to the disruption of a brain network called the default mode network, which is involved in internal thoughts and a person's sense of time, space, and self. Psilocybin also induces major changes in functional connectivity (FC) in the brain, particularly in the cerebral cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum. These changes are much greater than those caused by a control compound, methylphenidate.

Psilocybin also appears to have therapeutic effects for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting can lead to long-lasting improvements in people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. The US Food and Drug Administration has even described psilocybin as a breakthrough medicine in this regard.

The mechanism behind psilocybin's therapeutic effects involves the activation of serotonin 2a receptors in the brain. This reduces the energy needed for the brain to switch between different activity states, which may contribute to its potential in treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it is important to note that psilocybin does not work for everyone, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the brain and its therapeutic potential.

While most brain activity returns to normal within days of taking psilocybin, a reduction in FC between the default mode network and the hippocampus can last for at least three weeks. This suggests that psilocybin may induce lasting changes in hippocampus circuits involved with the perception of self. This provides valuable insights for scientists aiming to harness the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs. Nevertheless, caution is advised against self-medication with psilocybin, as there are risks associated with its unsupervised use.

The therapeutic effects of psilocybin

Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in "magic mushrooms", has been the focus of most recent research for its therapeutic potential. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, administered in a therapeutic setting, can bring about dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, which typically does not respond to traditional antidepressants.

Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical in certain mushrooms known as magic mushrooms. Eating mushrooms that contain psilocybin can have a variety of effects, ranging from euphoria to hallucinations. Some people use psilocybin as a recreational drug, while it can also be obtained from both fresh and dried mushrooms in varying concentrations. It can also be created in a lab.

Psilocybin has also shown promising success rates in small, open-label pilot studies for both tobacco and alcohol addiction. It is also showing promise in combating cluster headaches, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and various forms of substance abuse.

Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors on brain cells, reducing the energy needed for the brain to switch between different activity states. This may reflect lasting changes in hippocampus circuits involved with the perception of self. However, it is important to note that psilocybin might increase the risk of mania in people with bipolar disorder or those with a family history of bipolar disorder. It can also worsen diarrhea in people with IBS and may increase the risk of cardiac arrest and death in individuals with heart disease.

Microdosing and stacking

Microdosing involves the regular self-administration of psychedelic substances in doses small enough to not impair normal cognitive functioning. The most widely reported substances used for microdosing are psilocybin mushrooms and LSD, with the former being the focus of this discussion. A typical microdose of psilocybin mushrooms is 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, consumed 3–5 times per week.

Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms has gained attention as a potential therapeutic tool for various mental health conditions and addiction recovery. Research has shown that psilocybin may have benefits in helping people quit smoking, alleviating cluster headaches, and treating treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and anxiety. Some individuals have found microdosing to be more effective than traditional antidepressants and anxiety medications. In addition, microdosing in conjunction with therapy may facilitate access to previously difficult issues and promote creative insights into personal experiences and relationships.

The practice of stacking involves combining a microdose of psilocybin mushrooms with additional substances believed to boost the fungi's benefits. The "Stamets Stack", created by mycologist Paul Stamets, includes niacin (vitamin B3) and the mycelium of Lion's Mane mushrooms. Surveys of microdosers have shown significantly positive benefits from the practice of taking small doses, but the popularity of stacking likely derives from self-experimentation and anecdotal reports.

It is important to note that microdosing psilocybin mushrooms is a contentious practice that remains legal only under supervision. While it has shown promising results, further research is needed to confirm and elucidate its effects. Individuals interested in microdosing should prioritize safety and always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new practice.

Serotonin 2a receptors

The 5-HT2A receptor, also known as the serotonin 2A receptor, is a subtype of serotonin receptor that is part of the serotonin receptor family. It is a cell surface receptor that activates multiple intracellular signalling cascades and is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that primarily signals through the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway. The serotonin 2A receptor is highly expressed in the cerebral cortex, especially in pyramidal neurons and certain interneurons, where it modulates thalamocortical information processing and may influence gamma oscillations, which are important for sensory integration and perception.

The serotonin 2A receptor has been implicated in mental disorders with complex etiologies, such as schizophrenia, and in processes such as learning and memory. It is also believed to play a role in neurogenesis. Activation of the serotonin 2A receptor is necessary for the effects of classic psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and psilocin, which act as full or partial agonists at this receptor. Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, has been shown to cause major changes in functional connectivity throughout the brain, particularly in areas involved in the default mode network, which governs an individual's sense of space, time, and self.

Research has revealed that psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin activate serotonin receptors, including serotonin 2A receptors, in a way that reduces the energy needed for the brain to switch between different activity states. This activation of serotonin 2A receptors is believed to be the primary mechanism through which these drugs produce their therapeutic effects. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, administered in a therapeutic setting, can lead to dramatic and long-lasting improvements in individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

The serotonin 2A receptor exhibits "functional selectivity," meaning that different ligands can differentially activate its signalling pathways. This property is relevant for understanding the distinct effects of hallucinogens, antipsychotics, and antidepressants that act on this receptor. Overall, the serotonin 2A receptor plays a critical role in the central nervous system and is a key target for therapeutic interventions aimed at treating various neuropsychiatric disorders.

The risks of self-medication

Mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, can alter brain function and change perceptions of self, time, and space. While psilocybin has shown promising results in relieving mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, it is important to understand the risks associated with self-medication.

Self-medication is defined as the selection and use of medications or substances by individuals to treat self-diagnosed symptoms or conditions without consulting a doctor. While it can provide increased access to medication and relief for minor ailments, it is not without risks, especially for serious health conditions. Here are some of the dangers associated with self-medication:

• Incorrect self-diagnosis: Self-diagnosis can lead to mistaking a severe disease for a minor condition, resulting in improper treatment and delaying necessary medical advice.
• Dangerous drug interactions: Mixing certain medications or substances without medical supervision can lead to adverse reactions and severe health consequences.
• Incorrect dosage and manner of administration: Without proper guidance, individuals may take incorrect dosages or administer medications incorrectly, potentially causing harm.
• Incorrect choice of therapy: Choosing the wrong treatment approach can worsen symptoms and delay effective intervention. This is especially critical for mental health conditions, where proper counseling and support are crucial.
• Risk of dependence and abuse: Self-medication can lead to substance use disorders, especially when used to manage mental health conditions. This can result in dependence and abuse and potential worsening of the underlying condition.
• Delay in seeking professional help: Relying solely on self-medication may cause individuals to forgo or delay seeking appropriate medical care, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

While self-medication can provide benefits for minor ailments, it is crucial to recognize the risks associated with treating more serious health conditions without professional guidance. Understanding these risks can help ensure that individuals receive the appropriate medical care and prevent potentially harmful outcomes.

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