Psilocybin Therapy for Depression: A Review of Current Molecular Knowledge
Journal of the Netherlands Society of Toxicology January 1, 2024 Marcha Verheijen 1 citation
Depression affects over 264 million people worldwide and is often poorly treated by conventional antidepressants or hard-to-access psychotherapy. Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, shows promise for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Clinical trials from 2016 to 2023 indicate that a single dose of psilocybin, combined with psychological support, significantly reduces depressive symptoms, with benefits lasting several months. Psilocybin is converted in the body to psilocin, which activates serotonin receptors (especially 5-HT2A), promoting anti-inflammatory effects and neuroplasticity. Psilocybin has low dependency risk and minimal adverse effects compared to traditional antidepressants, offering rapid and sustained relief.