Just as some fungi boost our immunity and protect us from harmful organisms, others impact our mental health in surprising ways. For centuries, psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, have fascinated people. These little fungi contain two powerful compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, that can transform how we see, feel, and think. They’re known for causing visual and sensory hallucinations, as well as shifting perception and mood. But due to concerns regarding potential for misuse and lack of accepted medical use, many countries have banned their production, sale, and possession.
Even with these restrictions, psilocybin mushrooms are making a big comeback, this time in labs and clinics. Many scientists are conducting experiments to investigate how these mushrooms can be used to revolutionize the treatment of mental health issues.
How do the psychedelic compounds found in magic mushrooms work?
When you consume psilocybin in these mushrooms, your body converts it into psilocin. Psilocin has a chemical structure that closely resembles that of serotonin, a neurotransmitter produced naturally in your body. This structural similarity allows the psilocin to interact with and then bind to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, which is believed to play a role in psychedelic effects. When psilocin binds to serotonin receptors, it modifies the way neurons communicate, leading to the characteristic psychedelic effects such as altered perception and hallucinations. People who consume psilocybin often report effects like losing track of time or space in a dreamy way.
How can these psychedelic effects help mental health?
Recent research into psilocybin reveals that, under controlled conditions and medical supervision, psilocybin consumption is likely to yield effective results in managing various psychiatric conditions. These conditions include substance overuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. Many studies so far have focused on its potential for treating depression. For instance, studies reveal that psilocybin can ease symptoms of depression, even for those who haven’t responded to other treatments. Just one or two therapy sessions with psilocybin can lead to lasting improvements in mood and outlook. Unlike standard antidepressants that take weeks to kick in, psilocybin’s effects are often felt within days.
Are there risks?
Using psilocybin is not risk-free. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Psilocybin doesn’t work for everyone, and how well it works can vary from person to person. In fact, the use of psilocybin might be harmful in some cases. Prof. David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University, warns that people who shouldn’t take psychedelics, such as those predisposed to psychosis, could experience panic reactions, extreme confusion, or even psychosis triggered by psilocybin.
- Psilocybin use often raises blood pressure and heart rate, and can therefore be dangerous for people with heart conditions.
- Some people who take psilocybin might have extreme fear, anxiety, or panic, as they experience its hallucinogenic effects.
Future of Psilocybin Research
Even though the past decade of research ushered us into a promising era for mental health advancements, much about psilocybin use and effects is still to be fully understood. Companies like COMPASS Pathways and Usona Institute already advanced psilocybin into phase 2 and are anticipated to initiate phase 3 ( the final step before regulatory approval) in early 2023. These trials aim to confirm the safety and efficacy of psilocybin for specific conditions, like treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder.
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