Psilocybin Therapy for Depression
In today’s world, there are many burdens that make it difficult for countless people to cope with the reality around them. Stress at work, at home, and in other circumstances can be exhausting and lead to serious mental disorders. One of the worst, often life-altering, is depression. Although it manifests with varying intensity, it is an increasingly frequently diagnosed condition, even in younger people. It’s worth noting that traditional medications are also no longer delivering the expected results. However, Mother Nature seems to be providing the solutions people need. This includes mushrooms and the compounds they contain. Psilocybin is one of the substances “naturally” found. What is it? And what are its effects in treating depression? Find out below!
What is psilocybin?
This substance is widely considered a highly psychedelic and intoxicating drug. For this reason, it is not widely available, and its production and trade (including the mushrooms that produce it) are prohibited. Possession of psilocybin-producing mushroom fruiting bodies is also prohibited! The exception to this rule is their use by specialized laboratories for research. For this to happen, however, the entity must have the appropriate permits, and trade is strictly controlled.
Psilocybin affects the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain responsible for, among other things, perception of reality, mood, and cognitive functions. It activates serotonin receptors, which could potentially be effective in treating depression. The effects of using preparations containing psilocybin are often visible after about 30 minutes and last for about 4-6 hours or, according to some studies, several days.
The effects of this substance depend on numerous factors, including dose. Typical symptoms of taking this compound include: Euphoria, joy, deeper spiritual experiences and oneness with the world, but also derealization, depersonalization, and somatic symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting. Therefore, its use is recommended only under strictly controlled conditions.
Where is psilocybin found?
Psilocybin is found in psilocybin mushrooms. Generally, however, they do not all belong to the same genus. What they have in common is that each species produces psilocybin. The most common sources of this substance include Psilocybe Cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Psilocybe mexicana. This compound is found primarily in fruiting bodies, and it is these mushrooms that are prohibited for trade and possession. Growkits, in turn, can be used to observe fungal colonization.
What are the effects of psilocybin in treating depression?
The need to find an effective treatment for depression is driving scientists and pharmacists to seek new solutions. Psilocybin, although illegal and criminalized in many countries, has become the subject of research at numerous scientific centers examining its properties. These include research centers such as: Imperial College London Centre for Psychedelic Research and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
The latter even conducted extensive research with two groups in which participants showed moderate to severe depression on the Hamilton scale. Improvement was noticeable within the first few days, and the effects lasted much longer than with other commonly used antidepressants. For example, after four weeks of therapy, almost three-quarters of the participants described their condition as improved, and half reported a decrease in depression. After a month, depression began to reverse in over 50% of the participants. Moreover, the effects were almost immediate, and importantly, lasting. However, it should be remembered that psilocybin was used as a psychotherapy adjunct. Other studies have shown that in people with treatment-resistant depression, two doses produced similar benefits as in those studied at Johns Hopkins University Medical School.
Will psilocybin become a medicine?
Promising research results indicate that psilocybin, once banned, may soon become a drug available on the regulated market. Some experts predict it will be introduced in 2024. Currently, however, intensive work is underway at numerous research centers. It’s worth noting that psilocybin is being tested not only to combat depression, but also symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and alcoholism. It’s possible, then, that psilocybin mushrooms could prove to be a solution to many mental ailments.