When this substance is ingested, it produces feelings of euphoria and sensory hallucinations thatlast for several hours.
Depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness.
Fortunately, standard treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy can be effective.
Nicolas Mueller / Getty Images
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
So how does a psychedelic-assisted therapy session work?
Afterwards, the therapist will work with the individual to help them integrate their psychedelic session.
The goal is to help the person process and find meaning in what they have just experienced.
It is important to recognize that psychotherapy is a critical component in this process.
Various cultures and religious traditions have long utilized psychedelic substances as part of traditional medicine and spiritual rituals.
This made the drug illegal for any use.
In 2006, researchers gained approval to investigate the potential of psilocybin as a treatment.
This research concluded that psilocybin is generally safe and could have a positive impact on well-being.
Effects
Psilocybin has effects that are similar to those of LSD.
People may experience feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
The substance works by acting on pathways in the brain that involve the use of the neurotransmitterserotonin.
This action results in changes in perception and altered consciousness.
Research suggests that this is due to an increase in communication across different networks in the brain.
Some researchers speculate that this may play a role in psilocybin’s beneficial impact on depression.
By changing brain connections and forming new ones, it may help people get out of depressive patterns.
In addition to these effects, the treatment was also linked to a number of other benefits as well.
Those treated with psilocybin reported experiencing increased optimism and better quality of life.
A follow-up study suggested that these effects were also enduring.
Participants maintained significant reductions in depressive symptoms five years after treatment.
Around 67% of participants experienced a 50% reduction in symptoms.
These effects also appear to be lasting.
By four weeks after treatment, 54% of the participants who had psilocybin treatment were no longer depressed.
Researchers are also exploring the potential for psilocybin to treat other conditions including addictions and anxiety.
During this experience, a person may experience intense feelings of anxiety and fear.
It can also lead to frightening experiences of paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations.
Psilocybin also has the potential to pose risks to people who have experienced episodes of mania or psychosis.
However, research suggests that there is a low risk for physical dependence and abuse.
In one study, researchers recommended scheduling the substance no more restrictively than a Schedule IV.
This category includes drugs such as Ambien and Xanax.
In 2019, the FDA granted what is known as breakthrough therapy status to psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Click below to listen now.
National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.
2020, Nov. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.3285
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Breakthrough therapy.
