Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin, have been used by people in Central America for centuries. However, they largely existed outside of Western societies until the 1950s and 1960s, when researchers began examining their possible medical applications in treating substance use disorders and mental illnesses. Since then, psilocybin has gained attention as a promising alternative treatment for medication-resistant depression and anxiety. Research indicates that controlled psilocybin therapy may be useful for treating various psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and addiction. However, there are concerns about the potential long-term side effects and risks associated with taking psilocybin outside of a controlled setting.
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What You'll Learn
Psilocybin's effect on serotonin receptors
Psilocybin, the main psychedelic component of "magic mushrooms", has been the subject of growing research interest in recent years. It interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR), to produce its various psychedelic effects. This interaction is believed to be mediated by psilocybin's active metabolite, psilocin, which activates the 5-HT2AR on cortical pyramidal cells, the "major computational units of the brain".
The activation of these serotonin receptors by psilocybin alters brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, resulting in changes to cognitive function and perception. This alteration in brain activity is thought to be responsible for the therapeutic effects of psilocybin in treating various mental and behavioural health disorders. Research has shown that psilocybin may be useful in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, addiction, and anorexia nervosa.
A 2022 study found that participants with moderate alcohol use disorder who underwent psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy had fewer heavy drinking days over 32 weeks, suggesting that psilocybin may be beneficial in treating alcohol use disorder as well. Furthermore, psilocybin has been found to increase the brain's capacity for change and adaptability, helping individuals break out of negative thought patterns and habits.
While the exact mechanism of action remains to be fully understood, psilocybin's ability to modulate serotonin receptors and influence brain dynamics has led to its designation as a potential "breakthrough therapy" for severe depression by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018. However, it is important to note that the use of psilocybin should be carefully controlled and supervised due to potential risks and side effects.
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Treatment of addiction and substance abuse
Psilocybin, the substance that gives 'magic mushrooms' their psychedelic qualities, has been studied for its potential in treating mental health disorders. While it is banned by the US government as a Schedule 1 substance, suggesting it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, researchers argue that it has promise as a treatment for a range of health issues.
Psilocybin has been investigated for its potential in treating substance use disorders (SUDs) and the results are encouraging. A 2022 study compared the effect of psychotherapy plus two psilocybin sessions with psychotherapy plus a placebo in 93 people with moderate alcohol use disorder. The group that received psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy had fewer heavy drinking days over 32 weeks, suggesting that psilocybin may be helpful in treating alcohol use disorder. However, it is important to note that most participants were able to guess correctly which therapy they had received, and it is unclear if the effects of psilocybin lasted beyond 32 weeks.
Observational studies have also found that psilocybin is associated with a reduced risk of using substances like cocaine, marijuana, and opioids. A 2017 Johns Hopkins University pilot study found that the majority of 15 participants were able to quit smoking for at least 16 months after receiving two to three moderate to high doses of psilocybin. Another proof-of-concept study into alcohol use disorder in 2015 found that abstinence among addicts increased significantly following psilocybin use.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of substance use disorders. However, it is important to note that psilocybin should only be taken under the care of a trained therapist or facilitator to manage the "set" and "setting," which are essential elements of safety for psychedelic-assisted therapy. Experiences can be unpredictable and may vary depending on factors such as dosage, personality, mood, expectations, surroundings, health, type of mushroom, and previous experience with similar substances.
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Safety and risks
While psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has shown promising results in treating mental health disorders, it is important to consider the potential risks and side effects associated with its use.
Safety
Psilocybin has been shown to be safe when administered in controlled settings with proper monitoring and support from trained therapists and clinicians. The risks associated with psilocybin use are effectively reduced in controlled environments, where participants receive structured support, monitoring, and follow-up care.
Side Effects
When given as a therapeutic single dose, psilocybin has been found to have similar side effects to traditional antidepressant medications, including headache, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure. These side effects are generally well tolerated and fade within 24 to 48 hours. However, it is important to note that there is still limited knowledge about the potential long-term side effects and rare serious side effects of psilocybin use.
Negative Outcomes
Without proper monitoring, there is a risk of negative outcomes such as a "bad trip" or other undesirable effects. The concentration of psilocybin in mushrooms can vary, and taking psilocybin outside of a controlled setting increases the likelihood of experiencing a range of harmful effects.
Regulatory Hurdles
Despite the promising results of psilocybin in treating mental health disorders, there are regulatory hurdles that must be addressed before it can be adopted for regular therapeutic use. Psilocybin is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which makes studying and researching the drug challenging and expensive.
Further Research
While initial studies have shown encouraging results, more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of psilocybin therapy for mental health disorders. Larger-scale clinical studies, particularly on microdosing psilocybin, are necessary to determine the long-term effects and optimal dosage for therapeutic use.
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History of research
Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive ingredient in "magic mushrooms", has been the subject of a growing body of research over the past 20 years, exploring its potential in treating mental and behavioural health disorders.
Psilocybin was first isolated by Albert Hofmann in 1957 from the Psilocybe mexicana mushroom, native to Central America. Soon after, in 1958, the first synthetic psilocybin product was created and continues to be widely used today, both recreationally and in spiritual or religious rituals.
Trials exploring the efficacy of psilocybin in treating psychiatric disorders were conducted throughout the 1960s. However, research on psilocybin came to a halt after it was designated as a Schedule 1 drug by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in 1970 as part of the "war on drugs". Despite the challenges posed by its classification, research interest in psilocybin has been growing, with studies exploring its potential in treating various mental health conditions.
Recent studies have shown promising results, indicating that psilocybin therapy can be beneficial in relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to ease fear and anxiety in people with terminal illnesses, such as cancer. Furthermore, psilocybin has been studied for its potential in treating addiction and alcohol use disorder.
While the research suggests positive outcomes, it is important to note that psilocybin can also have adverse effects. Some participants in studies have reported experiencing headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. In some cases, psilocybin can cause panic reactions, confusion, and even precipitate psychosis in individuals predisposed to it. Therefore, careful screening and supervision by trained professionals are crucial when considering psilocybin-assisted therapy.
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Therapeutic uses
Psilocybin, the psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been the subject of therapeutic research for several decades. Albert Hofmann, a chemist at the Swiss company Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, isolated and identified psilocybin as the psychedelic compound in mushrooms in the 1950s. This discovery led to the manufacture and distribution of Indocybin®, a pill containing psilocybin for use in psychiatric research.
Since then, psilocybin has been explored as a potential treatment for various mental and behavioural health disorders, including depression, anxiety, OCD, addiction, and anorexia nervosa. Research suggests that psilocybin may increase the brain's capacity for change and adaptability, helping individuals break free from negative thought patterns and habits.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psilocybin research, with encouraging findings from small-scale studies on depression and other disorders. These studies indicate that psilocybin's positive effects can be long-lasting and may only require intermittent dosing, potentially reducing the risk of side effects.
Psilocybin has also shown promise in smoking cessation. In 2021, the National Institute of Health awarded Johns Hopkins a grant to explore psilocybin as a smoking cessation tool, marking the first federal grant in 50 years for studying psychedelic treatments in the US.
While psilocybin shows therapeutic potential, it is important to approach its use with caution. The effects of psilocybin can be unpredictable and depend on various factors, including dosage, personality, mood, expectations, and surroundings. Additionally, the risk of adverse effects and fatal poisoning from consuming poisonous mushrooms that resemble psilocybin-containing mushrooms underscores the importance of professional supervision and controlled environments when using psilocybin for therapeutic purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a psychedelic compound.
Psilocybin is a strong agonist at 5-HT2A and a moderate agonist at 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C. 5-HT2A receptors are located within the thalamus and cortex of the brain. Activation of these receptors leads to sensory alterations commonly referred to as hallucinations.
While magic mushrooms have been shown to have positive effects on mental health, they should only be taken under the supervision of a trained therapist or facilitator. There are risks involved in taking psilocybin outside of a controlled setting, and it can be dangerous if adulterated with substances such as fentanyl.
Research indicates that controlled psilocybin therapy shows potential for the treatment of mental and behavioral health disorders, including depression, anxiety, OCD, addiction, and anorexia nervosa.
Yes, when given as a therapeutic single dose, psilocybin has been found to have similar side effects to traditional antidepressant medications, including headache, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure. However, these side effects are generally well tolerated and fade within 24 to 48 hours.
