Michael Davis
Magic mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years. Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been found to have positive effects on mental health. Research indicates that controlled psilocybin therapy may be beneficial in treating mental and behavioural health disorders. However, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule 1 drug, making it difficult to study. Despite this, organisations such as Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research are leading the way in exploring innovative treatments using psilocybin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment of mental and behavioral health disorders | Relief from symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health disorders |
| Easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal cancer | |
| Positive effects on cognition and mood | |
| Improved brain connectivity in people with depression | |
| Reduced symptoms of anxiety and stress | |
| Improved sleep | |
| Increased productivity | |
| Potential treatment for alcohol use disorder and tobacco addiction | |
| Improved absorption of psilocybin when combined with niacin | |
| Potential treatment for anorexia nervosa | |
| Potential treatment for existential distress in serious medical illnesses |
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What You'll Learn
Microdosing mushrooms may improve mood and mental health
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been found to have positive effects on mental health and mood. Microdosing with psilocybin has been found to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. This is supported by a large study which showed that individuals who microdosed psilocybin had improved mood and a greater decline in anxiety, depression, and stress over a one-month period than those who did not microdose. These improvements were also observed in individuals with mental health concerns.
Psilocybin has also been found to help with smoking cessation and anorexia nervosa treatment. In October 2021, the National Institute of Health awarded Johns Hopkins a grant to explore the potential value of psilocybin as a smoking cessation tool. This was the first federal grant given in 50 years for the study of a psychedelic treatment in the U.S. In May 2022, UK-based mental healthcare firm COMPASS Pathways completed an exploratory study of psilocybin therapy for patients with anorexia nervosa, with encouraging preliminary results that warrant further investigation.
Psilocybin has also shown effectiveness in easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal cancer. In a small double-blind study, Johns Hopkins researchers reported that a substantial majority of people suffering from cancer-related anxiety or depression found considerable relief for up to six months from a single large dose of psilocybin.
Psilocybin has been found to increase brain connectivity in people with depression, even weeks after use. A study by Imperial College London's Centre for Psychedelic Research found that people who responded to psilocybin-assisted therapy showed increased brain connectivity not just during their treatment but up to three weeks afterward. The team behind the study believes it has untangled how psilocybin exerts its therapeutic effects on the brain.
While psilocybin has shown promising results in treating mental health disorders, it is important to note that it should be used with caution and under the supervision of a trained therapist or facilitator. It is also important to talk to a healthcare provider about any complementary health approaches and make shared, well-informed decisions.
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Psilocybin therapy can help treat depression
Psilocybin therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of depression. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. It has the ability to penetrate the central nervous system and produce therapeutic effects on the brain.
Research has indicated that psilocybin therapy can effectively relieve symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. In a small study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers found that two doses of psilocybin, combined with supportive psychotherapy, led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms. Half of the participants achieved remission during the four-week follow-up period. Furthermore, some participants continued to experience benefits for up to a year after receiving just two doses.
Psilocybin has also been found to increase brain connectivity in people with depression. A study by Imperial College London's Centre for Psychedelic Research analyzed brain scans of individuals receiving psilocybin therapy and found increased communication between brain regions that are typically more segregated in depressed patients. This increase in brain connectivity was observed not only during treatment but also up to three weeks afterward.
Microdosing with psilocybin has also shown potential in treating depression. Microdosing refers to the practice of regularly taking small amounts of psychedelic substances that do not impair cognitive function. Research suggests that microdosing psilocybin can improve mood, alleviate symptoms of depression, and reduce anxiety and stress.
While psilocybin therapy shows promising results, it is important to note that it should be used under the supervision of a trained therapist or facilitator. The therapist plays a crucial role in managing the "set" and "setting," which are essential elements of safety for psychedelic-assisted therapy. Experiences with psilocybin can vary significantly depending on dosage, personality, mood, expectations, and surroundings. Therefore, a controlled and monitored approach is necessary to ensure the safe and effective use of psilocybin for depression.
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Magic mushrooms can reduce anxiety and stress
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin, have been used for their beneficial health effects for thousands of years. Research indicates that controlled psilocybin therapy can help treat mental and behavioural health disorders.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. It can penetrate the central nervous system, and researchers are beginning to understand its effects on the brain and its potential as a therapeutic treatment for mental illnesses.
Psilocybin has been shown to be effective in easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal illnesses such as cancer. A small double-blind study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that a majority of people suffering from cancer-related anxiety or depression found relief for up to six months from a single large dose of psilocybin. Another study found that participants who received psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy had fewer heavy drinking days over 32 weeks, suggesting that psilocybin may be helpful for alcohol use disorder.
Microdosing with psilocybin has also been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety and stress. A large study showed that individuals who microdosed psilocybin had improved mood and a greater decline in anxiety, depression, and stress over a one-month period than those who did not microdose. These improvements were also observed in individuals with mental health concerns.
It is important to note that psilocybin can cause death at very high doses, and some poisonous mushrooms resemble psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Therefore, it is important to only take psilocybin under the care of a trained therapist or facilitator.
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They can help treat addiction and alcoholism
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been found to help treat addiction and alcoholism when used alongside psychotherapy. In August 2022, Dr. Michael P. Bogenschutz and his team from NYU Langone Health conducted the first randomized, controlled trial of psilocybin for alcohol use disorder. The study found that two doses of psilocybin pills, combined with psychotherapy, helped people with alcohol use disorder reduce drinking by 83% on average over 32 weeks, with effects lasting for at least eight months after their first treatments. Furthermore, almost half of those who received psilocybin stopped drinking altogether after eight months, compared to 24% in the placebo group.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy has also been found to be effective in treating other addictions, including opioid use disorder, cigarette smoking, and abuse of cocaine. A phase II double-blind clinical trial published in January used ketamine-assisted therapy in patients with alcohol use disorder, and participants in the ketamine group were 2.5 times more likely to refrain from drinking through the end of the trial.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound derived from fungi with mind-altering qualities similar to those of LSD and mescaline. It is generally administered in standardized dosages in clinical settings. When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized to produce psilocin, which activates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain. These cells help us put together our picture of what reality is. Psilocybin can cause profound alterations in perception, emotions, and sense of self, often including experiences that are felt to be of great personal significance.
While psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise in treating addiction and alcoholism, it is important to note that psilocybin can be dangerous at very high doses and should only be taken under the care of a trained therapist or facilitator. The therapist should manage the "set" (the mental state with which the participant enters the experience) and "setting" (the physical environment, support staff, and other features such as music) to ensure safety. Additionally, some poisonous mushrooms resemble psilocybin-containing mushrooms, and confusing them could lead to fatal poisoning.
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They can aid in easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal illnesses
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been found to aid in easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal illnesses. Research has shown that psilocybin therapy is beneficial in relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health disorders.
Psilocybin has also demonstrated effectiveness in reducing anxiety and distress in people facing serious medical conditions such as advanced or terminal cancer. In a small double-blind study, Johns Hopkins researchers found that a single large dose of psilocybin provided significant relief from cancer-related anxiety and depression for up to six months.
The therapeutic effects of psilocybin are believed to be due to its impact on the brain. Psilocybin helps to open up depressed individuals' brains, increasing communication between brain regions that are typically more segregated. This increase in brain connectivity has been observed not just during treatment but for up to three weeks afterward.
While psilocybin has shown promising results in easing fear and anxiety, it is important to note that it should be used with caution. Psilocybin can cause death at very high doses, and some poisonous mushrooms resemble psilocybin-containing mushrooms, posing a risk of fatal poisoning. Individuals interested in psilocybin-assisted therapy should consult with a trained therapist or facilitator and ensure they receive proper guidance and support.
The classification of psilocybin as a Schedule I substance has made studying it challenging and expensive. However, with growing evidence of its potential benefits, there may be an increased incentive for investment in psilocybin research. If psilocybin-assisted therapy gains FDA approval, ensuring its scalability and affordability will be crucial.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been used for its beneficial health effects for thousands of years.
Psilocybin therapy has been found to be beneficial in relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health disorders. It has also shown effectiveness in easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal illnesses.
Psilocybin therapy involves the controlled use of psilocybin under the care of a trained therapist or facilitator. The therapist manages the "set" (the mental state of the participant) and the "setting" (the physical environment, support staff, etc.).
Psilocybin can cause death at very high doses. Additionally, some poisonous mushrooms resemble psilocybin-containing mushrooms, and confusing the two could lead to fatal poisoning. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before considering psilocybin therapy.
Microdosing refers to the practice of regularly using small amounts of psychedelic substances that do not impair cognitive function. Research suggests that microdosing psilocybin can improve cognitive function and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
