For years, psychedelics were associated with hard drugs, the possession of which carries harsh penalties. This stems from government policies implemented at the beginning of the second half of the 20th century, when interest in these substances increased among youth. Little was said at the time about the fact that they had been the subject of years of research by scientists, including medical professionals. Today, they are being reconsidered as allies in the fight against various mental ailments. Psilocybin contained in tablets – will it be a remedy? Or a curse? If this topic interests you, read this article.
Psilocybin – what is it and how is it produced?
This substance belongs to the group of psychoactive compounds (psychedelics), which structurally resembles the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is essential in the human body. Like it, psilocybin may affect, among other things, on:
- mood,
- perception of reality,
- state of consciousness.
This is due to its specific action. Its structural similarity to serotonin causes it to bind to serotonin receptors (mainly 5-HT2A), which affects, among other things, on the functioning of the brain’s prefrontal cortex. Importantly, psilocybin also causes hallucinations, and the intensity of the effects depends on, among other things, the dose taken and individual predispositions.
This substance occurs naturally in some species of mushrooms. It is indicated that the broadest species include those from the Psilocybe family, and one of the most commonly known is Psilocybe cubensis, also known as the Cuban Psilocybe. Furthermore, it is worth noting that psilocybin also occurs in mushrooms found in Europe, including Poland, including the Psilocybe lanceolata. It is also worth mentioning that the compound used in patient studies is its synthetic equivalent. It cannot be ruled out that preparations derived from organisms from the kingdom fungi are used for such tests.
Research on Psilocybin in Mental Health Therapy
The properties of these mushrooms have been known for centuries. They were used, among other things, in various rituals to induce an altered state of consciousness. However, the first scientific research on this substance dates back to the early second half of the 20th century. It was then that Albert Hofmann, the father of another psychedelic drug – LSD, first synthesized psilocybin. Interest in this compound was significant for various reasons, including: due to the fact that it was seen as a potential cure for various mental ailments, including depression and PTSD (it’s worth noting that we’re talking about a time not so distant from the end of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Cold War).
However, due to the introduction of severe restrictions, first in the US and later – thanks to the UN – worldwide, this research was halted for a long time. Recent years, however, have seen a renaissance in the use of psychedelics, including: psilocybin in the treatment of mental disorders.
Psilocybin and Depression
One of the leading goals of research on this compound is to effectively combat depression. Both the pandemic period and the following years are full of alarming data regarding a significant increase in cases of people with this disorder. It is indicated that social media also has a significant impact, particularly on young people. In other words, the problem of depression continues to grow, and effective measures to combat it are needed.
What role does psilocybin play in this? Some studies, including those conducted in Studies at British and American universities indicate that it can be significant. This compound has, among other things, the ability to “calm down” overactive brain areas in people with depression. At the same time, it stimulates the centers responsible for the reception of positive stimuli.
This results from another property of psilocybin – the stimulation of neuroplasticity. In short, this substance promotes the development of new connections in the brain, responsible for, for example, the creation of new schemas. People with depression often struggle with negative beliefs about themselves and reality. Stimulating neuroplasticity can help them overcome them and create new, healthy foundations for perceiving themselves and the world around them.
What’s more, psilocybin tablets potentially prove beneficial in cases of treatment-resistant depression. It is diagnosed in people whose condition does not improve despite the use of medication and psychotherapy.
Psilocybin in the Fight Against PTSD
In cases of exceptionally difficult, sudden events – from personal accidents, to the death of loved ones, to participation in warfare – post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often develops. Symptoms of this disorder vary, depending on the events involved. These include: inappropriate reactions, isolation from others, and suicidal thoughts.
It has been suggested that psilocybin may potentially alleviate flashbacks and the negative emotions associated with them. This is due to the aforementioned mechanisms of suppressing areas responsible for perceiving “bad” stimuli and stimulating those responsible for positive ones.
Psilocybin and the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
It has also been suggested that this alkaloid will potentially be effective support for bipolar disorder. One of the most difficult disorders can be effectively treated under the supervision of specialists using this substance. You can read more about this topic in a separate article on my blog (link below).
Psilocybin in the Treatment of Addictions
A vicious cycle that people with depression often fall into involves trying to improve their mood through things like alcohol or stimulants. This usually leads to addictions, which deepen the depression, which in turn encourages them to reach for another drink, cigarette, or fix. JAMA Psychiatry reported that psilocybin, and capsules containing it, when taken appropriately (under the supervision of psychotherapists), can potentially support abstinence in patients!
Can psilocybin replace traditional antidepressants?
The answer to this question is difficult. Psilocybin is still considered a narcotic substance in many countries. Making it an antidepressant requires profound legal reforms (though, in reality, it requires removal from one list, with possible transfer to another) and education among the public and politicians.
Turning a blind eye to research results cannot continue indefinitely. This is demonstrated by the approval of the use of so-called medical psilocybin in Australia from July 2023. This is a step in the right direction, but it comes at a price. Literally. It has been pointed out that therapy with this substance costs between tens and tens of thousands of dollars. It’s hard to imagine, considering that it’s a naturally occurring substance.
Scientists are also providing further evidence of psilocybin’s effectiveness (often much higher!) compared to traditional antidepressants. However, research into its effects is still ongoing.
Why is psilocybin research worth following?
For these and many other reasons, alkaloids produced by mushrooms, primarily from the Psilocybe family, are of great interest to scientists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists. The fact that they can improve the well-being of people suffering from previously untreatable disorders is driving increasing research efforts. Furthermore, psilocybin doesn’t require the same dosage as regular medications (even six-month intervals!). Therefore, it’s worth keeping an eye on this substance. You can certainly read more about any new developments in this area on my blog.