Psilocybin for Mental Health Treatment
In this article, we are going to talk about Psilocybin for mental health treatment. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. It has been shown to alleviate a variety of cognitive and mental health conditions. Some of those conditions include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. We will discuss the historical use of psilocybin, its scientific basis, and its potential to treat mental health disorders. We will also cover dosage recommendations, synergetic effects, and drug interaction risks.
Historical Background of Psilocybin
Psilocybin has a rich history in indigenous cultures, particularly in Central and South America. These indigenous communities have used Psilocybin for spiritual and healing purposes for thousands of years. In pre-Columbian cultures, psilocybin mushrooms were often used in religious ceremonies to connect with the divine and facilitate healing.The term “teonanácatl,” meaning “flesh of the gods,” was used by the Aztecs to describe these sacred mushrooms.
Psilocybin first came to the attention of the Western world through the work of researchers like R. Gordon Wasson, who published a famous article on the ritualistic use of psilocybin in Life Magazine in 1957. Since then, research on its therapeutic potential has progressed which has led to the promising use of Psilocybin for mental health treatment. Now that we have a historical background, lets dive into the science.
The Science: Active Ingredients and Neurochemical Influence
Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body once it’s ingested. Psilocin is the active ingredient that’s responsible for Psilocybin’s psychoactive effects. Psilocybin cannot pass the blood brain barrier until it’s converted into Psilocin. Psilocin primarily affects the serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. By activating these receptors, Psilocybin influences the brain’s serotonin pathways. These pathways are crucial for mood regulation, cognition, and perception. Psilocybin also impacts dopamine receptors which leads to alterations in mood, consciousness, and behavior.
Functional brain imaging studies have shown that Psilocybin reduces activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN). This is a region in the brain that is responsible for self-referential thoughts and rumination. Overactivity of the DMN has been linked to depression and anxiety. Psilocybin helps to break negative thought patterns and foster new neural connections by resetting the DMN. This process is known as neuroplasticity. Now let’s take a closer look at the benefits of Psilocybin.
Cognitive and Behavioral Benefits of Psilocybin
Many studies have highlighted Psilocybin’s therapeutic benefits, especially for treatment-resistant mental health conditions:
🧠Treatment-Resistant Depression: Psilocybin has demonstrated rapid and long-lasting effects on depression, especially in patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. Clinical trials have shown that a single dose of psilocybin can lead to significant improvements in mood and emotional well-being. It’s been well documented that these effects can last up to 6 months or even longer.
🧠Anxiety and PTSD: Psilocybin has been used to treat anxiety, particularly in individuals with terminal diagnosis. It helps patients achieve a more positive outlook on life and reduces existential distress. Additionally, Psilocybin can be used for PTSD because it can help individuals process traumatic memories without the intense emotional responses that they might otherwise experience.
🧠Addiction Treatment: Psilocybin for mental health treatment has shown promise in treating substance use disorders like alcohol and nicotine addiction. It works by helping individuals gain new perspectives on their behavior. This often leads to a deep sense of meaning and self-awareness. These emotional sensations and experiences can break the cycle of addiction.
🧠Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Research suggests that Psilocybin can reduce the symptoms of OCD by disrupting repetitive thought patterns. This allows individuals to deal with their compulsions in a more constructive way.
Now that we know the many mental health conditions that Psilocybin can help treat, let’s discuss similar medications.
Medicines Similar to Psilocybin
LSD is another psychedelic that primarily affects serotonin receptors (5-HT2A). Both substances produce similar altered perceptions and cognitive processes. However, the effects of LSD tend to last longer compared to the duration of Psilocybin. LSD also tends to produce more stimulating and energetic experiences whereas psilocybin is often perceived as more grounded and introspective.
MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy or Molly, differs from psilocybin in its mechanism but shares some therapeutic potential. While psilocybin primarily modulates and regulates neurotransmitter receptors, MDMA causes a massive release of neurochemicals at once. This results in a heightened sense of emotional openness, empathy, and trust. In clinical trials, MDMA-assisted therapy has been effective in helping individuals process traumatic memories. . Psilocybin’s effects are more inward-focused and psychedelic whereas MDMA emphasizes emotional warmth and social connection. Both are valuable tools in therapy.
Mescaline, the psychoactive compound found in Peyote and San Pedro Cacti, is another plant-derived psychedelic. Like Psilocybin, Mescaline binds to serotonin receptors and induces altered states of consciousness characterized by visual and auditory hallucinations. However, Mescaline’s effects last much longer and are often described as more energetic and colorful compared to psilocybin. While both are being studied for their potential to treat depression, anxiety, and addiction, Mescaline’s use is less prevalent in modern clinical trials. This is due in part because of the cultural and spiritual significance to Native Americans and their desire to preserve their sacred cultural traditions.
Psychotria Viridis (DMT) is the active compound in Psychotria Viridis. It is also the active ingredient in Ayahuasca. DMT is considered one of the most powerful naturally occurring psychedelics. Like Psilocybin, DMT acts on 5-HT2A receptors, but its effects are much more intense and short-lived. DMT produces profound visual and mystical experiences while psilocybin induces more gradual and sustained journeys. DMT’s effects are almost instantaneous and overwhelming. This makes it more difficult to integrate without therapeutic guidance. Nonetheless, DMT is being studied for its potential to treat depression, PTSD, and anxiety also.
Ketamine shares the potential to treat depression. Ketamine works by inhibiting NMDA receptors and increasing glutamate activity. This leads to rapid antidepressant effects that can occur within hours. While both substances can provide quick mental health benefits, ketamine is often used in clinical settings to address acute depressive episodes. Psilocybin, on the other hand, is typically used in guided therapeutic sessions for longer lasting emotional and cognitive transformation.
Since we discussed similar medications, it’s only fitting that we talk about what therapies and other medications can be used along with Psilocybin. Let’s take a look at those now.
Synergistic Effects and Drug Interaction Risks
Synergistic Effects
Psilocybin, when used in combination with other substances or therapeutic practices, can amplify benefits:
Psychotherapy: The combination of psilocybin with psychotherapies like, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes. The openness and emotional vulnerability induced by Psilocybin make it easier for individuals to process traumatic memories or address deeply ingrained negative thought patterns.
Mindfulness Practices: Psilocybin can deepen the practice of mindfulness. It does this by encouraging individuals to stay present and explore their inner thoughts without judgment. Combining Psilocybin with Mindfulness practices such as Guided Meditation and Yoga, can foster emotional healing and spiritual insight. This is because both practices help individuals cultivate self-awareness and acceptance. So it is a good idea to combine Mindfulness practices with Psilocybin for mental health treatment.
Drug Interaction Risks
Although psilocybin is relatively safe, certain combinations can pose risks:
SSRIs and SNRIs: Using psilocybin in conjunction with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can reduce its psychoactive effects due to serotonin receptor desensitization. More importantly, combining the two carries the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, and seizures.
Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium, are sometimes used to reduce anxiety during a challenging psychedelic experience. However, their sedative properties can dull the emotional and psychological benefits of the Psilocybin session. They should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Stimulants: Combining Psilocybin with stimulants like amphetamines and caffeine, can increase the risk of elevated heart rate and blood pressure, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular conditions. This combination can increase feelings of anxiety or panic during the psilocybin experience.
Alcohol: While alcohol may reduce the intensity of psilocybin’s effects; it can also impair judgment and inhibit emotional processing. This cancels out the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and is counterproductive. At the same time, since alcohol is both a depressant and a stimulant, the same adverse effects can happen as with other stimulates. It is a gamble to mix alcohol with Psilocybin and is not worth the risk.
Now that we understand benefits and risks, let’s look at treatment dosages.
Forms and Dosages of Psilocybin
Individuals can take Psilocybin a number of different ways. They can eat the mushrooms, put the dried powder in capsules, or steep them in hot water to make tea. Individuals who eat the mushrooms usually put them on foods like pizza to mask their taste because they don’t taste pleasant. Dosing goes as follows:
Microdosing (0.1-0.3 grams): The point of microdosing is to enhance mood, creativity, and cognitive function without inducing a full psychedelic experience. Microdosing is often practiced daily or every few days.
Therapeutic Dosing (2-4.5 grams): This dose is sufficient to produce a full psychedelic experience. This much is usually taken with professional guidance.
Macro Dosing (5+ grams): “Hero” doses are large doses and are used for deep spiritual experiences. They require highly controlled environments and are not commonly recommended for therapeutic purposes due to the intensity and potential psychological risks or “bad trips.”
It is important to note that Psilocybin may not be right for everyone. Let’s talk about who should not or would not benefit from Psilocybin for mental health treatment.
Who Should Avoid Psilocybin?
While psilocybin has many potential benefits, certain individuals should avoid taking it. Individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia should avoid Psilocybin because it can trigger psychotic episodes or worsen mental health conditions. Since Psilocybin increases heart rate and blood pressure, individuals with cardiovascular conditions should also avoid Psilocybin. It’s also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the lack of research on Psilocybin’s effects on fetal development and breast milk. Lastly, as mentioned earlier, individuals taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or benzodiazepines should avoid combining Psilocybin with these medications due to the risk of Serotonin Syndrome and null effects.
By now, we have a pretty good understanding of Psilocybin and its role in mental health treatment. Although, there may still be some questions that are worth answering. Let’s answer the most frequently questions now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is psilocybin used for? Psilocybin is primarily used for therapeutic purposes to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and other mental health conditions. It is also used in ceremonial and spiritual practices for personal growth and insight.
How long do the effects of psilocybin last? The effects of Psilocybin typically last between 4-6 hours, depending on the dose and the individual’s metabolism. The onset of the effects begins 30-60 minutes after ingestion and the peak effects occur 2-3 hours into the experience.
Is Psilocybin legal? Psilocybin is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries. So it is illegal for recreational use. However, research is ongoing, and some places, like the state of Oregon, have either decriminalized it and/or allowed its use in therapeutic settings.
Can Psilocybin cure depression? While Psilocybin has shown promise in treating Treatment-Resistant Depression, it is not considered a cure. Research indicates that Psilocybin can provide long lasting relief from symptoms, but further studies are needed to understand its full potential.
Final Thoughts
Psilocybin has demonstrated remarkable potential as a powerful tool in mental health treatment. It offers unique benefits for those suffering from depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction. With its ability to promote neuroplasticity, disrupt negative thought patterns, and foster spiritual growth, Psilocybin for mental health treatment may soon become a standard part of health care. However, it must be used with caution, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those on certain medications.
References
Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Goodwin, G. M. (2017). The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin. Psychopharmacology, 235(2), 373-383.
Griffiths, R. R., Johnson, M. W., Carducci, M. A., Umbricht, A., Richards, W. A., Richards, B. D., & Klinedinst, M. A. (2016). Psilocybin Produces Substantial and Sustained Decreases in Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Life-Threatening Cancer: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181-1197.
Ross, S., Bossis, A., Guss, J., Agin-Liebes, G., Malone, T., Cohen, B., … & Schmidt, B. L. (2016). Rapid and Sustained Symptom Reduction Following Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Life-Threatening Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1165-1180.
One Response