Psilocybin

The Rundown:

Medical Synopsis:

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms, colloquially known as “magic mushrooms,” has been a subject of scientific interest for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating psychological disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). The interest in psilocybin for therapeutic use is not new; its use for spiritual and healing purposes dates back thousands of years, with indigenous cultures employing psychedelic mushrooms in sacred rituals and ceremonies. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that psilocybin caught the attention of Western medicine and research, leading to a series of studies that explored its psychological effects. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, psilocybin research faced a significant setback in the 1970s when it was classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, marking it as a drug with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification severely restricted research into psilocybin and other psychedelics for decades.

Recent years have witnessed a resurgence in interest and research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, particularly for treating PTS. Post-Traumatic Stress, a condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Traditional treatments for PTS include psychotherapy and medication, but not all patients respond to these interventions, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic options.

Emerging research suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy could offer significant benefits for individuals with PTS. A key study published in the “Journal of Psychopharmacology” by Griffiths et al. [1] found that a single dose of psilocybin, administered in a controlled therapeutic setting, can result in substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer diagnoses, conditions known to induce PTS-like symptoms. While this study did not focus exclusively on PTS, its findings are relevant due to the overlap in psychological symptoms between PTS and the existential anxiety experienced by terminal patients.

A more direct examination of psilocybin’s efficacy for PTS came from a randomized, double-blind trial published by Mitchell et al. [2] in “Nature Medicine,” which demonstrated significant improvements in PTS symptoms among participants who received psilocybin therapy. In this study, participants who received psilocybin-assisted therapy showed a marked reduction in PTS symptom severity, with a notable percentage of participants no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTS following treatment. These outcomes were measured using the Clinician-Administered PTS Scale (CAPS), the gold-standard in PTS assessment, with reductions in CAPS scores observed both immediately after treatment and at follow-up, indicating the potential for long-term benefit.

The therapeutic effects of psilocybin are thought to be linked to its ability to induce profound changes in consciousness, promoting increased openness, emotional breakthroughs, and cognitive flexibility. These effects can help individuals reprocess traumatic memories in a safe environment, potentially leading to a reduction in PTS symptoms. Neuroimaging studies have shown that psilocybin decreases activity in brain networks associated with the ego or sense of self, such as the default mode network, which may underlie its ability to alter perspective and enhance emotional and cognitive processing.

Microdosing, the practice of taking sub-hallucinogenic doses of psilocybin, has also gained popularity as a potential therapeutic approach for various conditions, including PTS. While empirical research on microdosing is still in its infancy, anecdotal reports suggest that regular, small doses of psilocybin can improve mood, increase creativity, and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. A study by Polito and Stevenson [3] in “PLOS One” explored self-reported outcomes from individuals who engaged in microdosing, finding that participants reported improvements in psychological well-being, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Though these findings are promising, more rigorous, controlled research is needed to understand the efficacy and safety of microdosing for treating PTS and other conditions.

In conclusion, the re-emergence of research into psilocybin as a therapeutic tool offers hope for individuals with PTS who have not found relief through traditional treatments. The data from clinical trials and anecdotal reports suggest that psilocybin, whether in macro doses during assisted therapy sessions or through microdosing, holds significant potential for treating PTS by facilitating profound emotional and cognitive changes. However, it is crucial to continue rigorous research to fully understand the therapeutic potential, optimal dosing strategies, and long-term effects of psilocybin. As our understanding of psilocybin grows, so too does the possibility of integrating this ancient compound into modern therapeutic practices, offering new hope for those struggling with the debilitating effects of Post-Traumatic Stress.

Written by: Joey Fio, Chief Programs Officer