Psilocybin as an alternative medicine for patients suffering from depression
Psychiatria i Psychologia Kliniczna September 30, 2016 Karolina Dydak, Mariola Śliwińska‐mossoń, Halina Milnerowicz 2 citations
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychodysleptic substance found in mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe. It strongly affects perception, mood, and cognitive processes by stimulating serotonin receptors, increasing serotonin concentration in the brain, and intensifying sensorimotor and perceptual activity. Effects include euphoria, cheerfulness, lightness, and a sense of unity with the world, along with perceptual modifications often mislabeled as hallucinations. Its action is similar to but weaker than LSD. Psilocybin is classified as a high-abuse-potential substance with no medical applications, restricted to scientific research. However, studies with volunteers show it may be a good alternative to current antidepressants, demonstrating effectiveness and very low toxicity.