Psilocybin: A brief overview for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners

Psychedelics like psilocybin show promise as a novel therapeutic treatment for psychiatric disorders such as substance use, depression, and anxiety. Current trials indicate relative safety and potential efficacy. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, as essential providers, need to understand the psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic principles of psilocybin to be prepared for patient care.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The use of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, has emerged in recent literature as a novel therapeutic treatment for various psychiatric disorders, including substance use, depression, and anxiety. While international and domestic trials are currently underway, there is data demonstrating both the relative safety and potential efficacy of psilocybin. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are essential mental health providers that may be at the forefront of delivering these new treatment modalities. Therefore, they must be aware of the psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic tenets of psilocybin to be prepared to treat patients.