Application of psilocybin in mental health disorders
Jingxuan Chen
Theoretical and Natural Science December 20, 2023 DOI: 10.54254/2753-8818/21/20230859 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Addiction Anxiety Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Antidepressant Pharmacology |
| Key findings | Psilocybin has long-lasting antidepressant effects with few side effects and shows potential benefits for addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder. |
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound, which has been used for ages in traditional settings for religious and therapeutic use. Recent studies have renewed interest in psilocybin for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating depression and anxiety. The pharmacodynamics of psilocybin are complex, involving its rapid conversion to psilocin and its activity on various serotonin receptors, particularly the 5HT2A/C and 5HT1A receptors. In addition, psilocybin can increase glutamate release, which is believed to be an important mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects. Clinical trials have demonstrated that psilocybin has a long-lasting antidepressant effect, with little to no side effects. However, it is necessary to further study the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic potential and to optimize its use in clinical settings. Overall, the promising findings suggest that psilocybin may offer a valuable alternative to traditional antidepressant therapies for individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, studies have shown that this drug also has certain benefits for mental disorders such as addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Thus, it is necessary to continue exploring the potential of psilocybin as a novel strategy in treating mental health disorders.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents Animal models and cellular studies | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine | 2017 | Review | |
| DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Psilocybin | 2018 | Review | |
| Psilocybin for treating substance use disorders? | 2016 | Narrative review |