How Psilocybin Rewires Our Brain and Heals Depression & Addiction

A 2022 study titled “Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin therapy for depression”, conducted by the teams at UC San Francisco and Imperial College London, sheds light on the transformative impact of psilocybin’s ability to rewire the brain. In this study, scientists found that psilocybin can foster new neural connections, paving the way for more positive and flexible thought patterns.

Here’s what the study reveals:

• Rewiring Brain Connections: Psilocybin is found to enhance the communication between various brain regions.
• A Shift Away from Negative Thoughts: It significantly reduces the neural pathways associated with repetitive, distressing thoughts, often seen in depression.
• Encouraging Cognitive Flexibility: The substance helps in forming new connections, allowing for more adaptable and positive thinking.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What is Psilocybin
• Psilocybin Therapy and how it works
• Rewiring the Brain with Psilocybin: The science behind its impact
• Best Practices in Psilocybin Therapy: Ensuring a safe and positive experience
• Lasting Effects on the Brain: Exploring the long-term benefits

Therapeutic Benefits and Considerations: A balanced view of its potential and risks

What is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a chemical compound, found in specific mushroom strains known as “magic mushrooms.” When people consume these strains containing psilocybin in high doses, they can experience euphoria, hallucinations, distorted perception of time, etc.

How can psilocybin heal depression?

Psilocybin binds with serotonin 2A receptors in the brain, subtly altering the usual pathways that can lead to depression. This fascinating interaction lessens the connections between brain regions often entwined with depressive states.

Several recent studies shed light on the remarkable ways in which positive experiences induced by psilocybin can contribute to brain health and offer new approaches to mental wellness.

Specifically, psilocybin therapy has been shown to decrease connectivity within key areas of the brain, such as the default mode, salience, and executive networks, all of which play significant roles in the manifestation of depression. This insight opens up promising pathways for supporting individuals in their journey towards mental health recovery.

How can psilocybin heal anxiety?

 Psilocybin, when paired with therapeutic guidance, is emerging as a hopeful approach to alleviating anxiety. Although the precise mechanisms are unknown, anxiety reductions may be due to the following characteristics of a psychedelic trip:

• Mental Transformation: Psilocybin has the potential to transform one’s mental landscape, offering fresh perspectives and challenging ingrained negative thought patterns which may contribute to a decrease in feelings of anxiety.
• Fostering Present-Mindedness: One of the notable effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy is its ability to help individuals become more present, reducing the tendency to ruminate on the future. This shift towards living in the moment can significantly alleviate the pressure and stress that contribute to anxiety.
• Neuroplasticity Boost: There’s evidence to suggest that psilocybin may enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways. This flexibility could be key in breaking free from the rigid thought patterns often associated with anxiety.

How can psilocybin heal addiction?

Psilocybin therapy is emerging as a hopeful approach in the battle against addiction, thanks to its multifaceted impact on the mind and behavior:

• Transformative Insights: The profound experiences facilitated by psilocybin can lead to new ways of thinking, offering individuals the chance to step away from addictive patterns and embrace change.
• Curbing Cravings: Initial studies are promising, indicating that psilocybin may play a role in diminishing the urge for substance use. Despite these positive signs, further research is essential to fully understand its potential.
• Supportive Therapy: Coupled with therapy, psilocybin treatment aids in developing stronger coping strategies for dealing with addiction and its related challenges. The guided, safe environment allows individuals to deeply explore their experiences under the influence of psilocybin, leading to significant personal growth and insight.

This innovative therapeutic method represents a significant stride towards not just managing addiction, but potentially addressing its root causes by fostering a deeper, more meaningful transformation within individuals.

Drug addiction

Using psilocybin with therapy may help treat drug addiction. It can provide new mental insights, reduce cravings, enhance the effectiveness of therapy, improve mental health struggles, and increase the brain’s adaptability. However, this approach to supporting addiction is experimental and should only be pursued under medical supervision.

Tobacco addiction

Psilocybin therapy is showing promise as a tool for supporting tobacco addiction. A pilot study from Johns Hopkins found that 80% of participants stopped smoking six months after treatment, which is higher than other methods. Research is ongoing, but early results are promising.

Alcohol addiction

Research suggests that psychotherapy enhanced with psilocybin may reduce alcohol dependence. The consciousness-expanding effects of psilocybin can offer valuable support in the journey towards sobriety, providing new perspectives and insights that facilitate a break from addictive behaviors.

How psilocybin can rewire our brain

 Psilocybin can rewire the brain by activating serotonin 2A receptors on brain cells briefly disrupting regular connections. This gives an exciting opportunity for the brain to create new connections.

 According to a study published by David J. Nutt, Robin L. Carhart-Harris, and others on Nature.com, the activation of the serotonin 2A receptors also reduces the energy needed by the brain to transition between different states. This reduction in the energy needed makes the brain more flexible and capable of forming new connections.

This flexibility of the brain, under the influence of psilocybin, increases the connection between areas that usually don’t connect and reduces the connection between areas that usually do. This effect further promotes psilocybin as a complementary approach to therapy.

How does Psilocybin therapy work?

Psilocybin therapy works by combining both psychological support from a qualified therapist and the use of psilocybin.Psilocybin facilitates shifts in perception and ways of thinking about the world. Guidance from a therapist during these experiences can support one in making sense of their experiences while providing strategies for shifting behavioral patterns that are identified during a session.

According to Compass Pathways, a leading mental care company, psilocybin therapy or psychedelic-assisted therapy often contains three types of sessions.

1. The first type are preparation sessions, where the therapist and the patient get to know each other, and the patient is informed on what to expect and how to minimize discomfort during the upcoming psilocybin session.
2. The second type of therapy session involves patients consuming a therapeutic dose of psilocybin and lying down, usually while listening to a music playlist. This experience lasts for 6-8 hours.
3. The third session is where the therapist encourages the patient to discuss their psilocybin experience.. While the patient is sharing,, the therapist works with them to generate ideas and insights from the experience to create positive changes.

Clinical Trials on Psilocybin Therapy for Depression

In a clinical trial done by Compass Pathways, three groups were given different quantities of synthetic psilocybin: 25-mg, 10-mg, and 1-mg. There were 79 participants in the 25-mg group, 75 in the 10-mg group, and 79 in the 1-mg group.

Each participant was given synthetic psilocybin along with psychological support. At the end of the trial, it was found that a single dose of 25 mg reduced depression significantly over 3 weeks (for reference: 25 mg of synthetic psilocybin is similar to 2500 mg of dried, fresh psilocybin mushrooms).

According to another clinical trial performed by David Nutt and team, psilocybin produced the antidepressant effect faster and sustained for a longer duration in comparison with conventional antidepressants.

This contrasts with traditional treatments like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which can take weeks to show any improvement, if they work at all. Psychedelic and consciousness research for mental health conditions is growing, offering hope for more effective and faster treatments in this field.

Clinical Trials on Psilocybin Therapy for Anxiety

Several studies have observed reductions in anxiety symptoms after psilocybin administration, both in healthy individuals and in people with specific anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder).

One study by Davis et al. (2020) investigated psilocybin’s impact on social anxiety disorder (SAD), finding that alongside supportive therapy, psilocybin notably decreased anxiety and fear of negative evaluation compared to a placebo. These results indicate psilocybin’s potential as a beneficial addition to traditional treatments for SAD.

A 2016 study by Carhart-Harris et al. investigated how psilocybin, with psychological support, could help cancer patients manage anxiety and depression. This controlled trial showed that patients receiving psilocybin experienced significantly more relief from anxiety and depression than those given a placebo. The improvements were meaningful, enhancing overall well-being and quality of life. This research supports the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy for mental health challenges, especially in those dealing with severe illnesses.

Clinical Trials on Psilocybin Therapy for Addiction

Recent studies are exploring psilocybin-assisted therapy as a treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs), including alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, opioids, and methamphetamine dependencies. This approach combines psilocybin use in controlled environments with psychotherapy sessions.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is notably researching psilocybin’s potential to aid individuals battling opioid addiction and major depression, with clinical trials also focusing on opioid and methamphetamine disorders.

Though initial results are encouraging, it’s important to recognize that this research is still in the preliminary stages. More extensive and longer-term studies are needed to fully ascertain psilocybin-assisted therapy’s efficacy and safety for treating SUDs.

Lasting Effects Of Psilocybin On Brain Networks

The enduring impact of psilocybin on brain networks and functions is marked by heightened positive emotions, diminished neural activity in the amygdala in response to negative emotions, and enhanced brain activity for better emotional control.

Research by Frederick S. Barrett and colleagues, as reported on nature.com, observed that just one week after a 25mg dose of psilocybin, individuals showed less negative affect and amygdala reactivity to emotional stimuli, alongside increased positive affect and heightened responses in the dorsal lateral prefrontal and medial orbitofrontal cortex to emotionally conflicting stimuli. One month later, these positive changes persisted, alongside improved brain connectivity.

Additionally, research by Drummond E-Wen McCulloch and his team found that psilocybin led to a decrease in the Executive Control Network’s resting state functional connectivity, which in turn fostered long-term mindfulness, observed after just one week post-consumption.

Therapeutic Benefits of a Psilocybin Microdose

Psilocybin microdosing holds  potential for various mental health benefits. Studies suggest it could reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, potentially by disrupting negative thought patterns and encouraging positive behavior changes.

Beyond mental health, psilocybin microdosing seems to influence brain function positively. Experts believe that psilocybin, even in such small doses, can increase connections between new brain areas, supporting neuroplasticity. Paul Stamets, a renowned mycologist, hypothesizes that these brain boosting benefits can be further supported by stacking your mushroom microdose with Lion’s Mane and psilocybin. 

While there is potential for microdosing to offer therapeutic benefits similar in nature to higher dose journeys, there is much less research on microdosing. However, interest in the practice is growing in scientific communities and the body of research on microdosing is growing quickly. 

Risks of Psilocybin Therapy

Common side effects of psilocybin therapy include elevated blood pressure, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. These side effects are reported with varying frequency across different studies and treatment approaches. For example, a study by Compass Pathways found that 77% of participants experienced these side effects. It’s important to note that reactions to psilocybin can differ from person to person, with other research sometimes indicating different occurrence rates.

A Healthline article highlights the potential risk of psychosis, especially in individuals with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders. Experts generally do not recommend psychedelic therapy for those who fall into this category.

After undergoing psilocybin therapy, some individuals may encounter intense flashbacks or hallucinogenic experiences, a condition referred to as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). 

FAQs

Can Psilocybin be used as antidepressant treatment?

Psilocybin might offer an alternative to traditional antidepressant treatments. Some studies in this article suggested that psilocybin can be used in alleviating symptoms of depression and treatment-resistant depression.

Does psilocybin connect neurons?

Emerging evidence suggests that psilocybin mushrooms can promote the growth of new neurons. According to a study published by Ling-Xiao Shao of Yale University, a single dose of psilocybin showed a 10% increase in spine size and density in frontal cortical pyramidal cells. This effect occurred within 24 hours and remained for more than a month.

Do psychedelics promote neuroplasticity?

Yes, psychedelics promote neuroplasticity. According to a review article on “Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity” published on frontiersin.org, clinical trials indicate that psychedelics promote neuroplasticity in vitro (in the lab) and in vivo (in living organisms).

Does psilocybin affect cognition?

Yes, psilocybin can affect cognition. Studies suggest that it affects the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for perception.

Does psilocybin reduce the amygdala?

Yes, psilocybin reduces the amygdala response to emotional stimuli. According to a study referenced in this article, there is a reduction in the amygdala response after one week, but it goes back to normal after one month.

Are psilocybin mushroom good for you?

Some studies suggest that the benefits of psilocybin can support you to create positive behavioral patterns and break old negative patterns.

Final Thoughts

Psilocybin’s ability to rewire our brains by reshaping how our brain’s regions communicate, opens new pathways for healing and growth. Here’s a summary of its transformative impact:

• Rewiring for Wellness: Psilocybin alters the connections between various brain areas, fostering a healthier state of mind.
• Encouraging Neuroplasticity: It promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and adapt.
• Therapeutic Applications: Psilocybin shows promising results in creating lasting positive changes for those dealing with depression, OCD, addiction, and more.

Having a trained therapist alongside your journey with psilocybin can significantly enhance the experience. They provide:

• Guided Support: Offering professional guidance through your therapeutic journey.
• Enhanced Safety: Ensuring a secure and nurturing environment.
• Personalized Care: Tailoring the experience to meet your unique needs and goals.
• Incorporating psilocybin into therapy sessions, with the support of a trained therapist, can lead to profound and sustained improvements in well-being and mental health.

If you’d like support making sense of a psilocybin experience, we offer free community-led integration circles weekly. Join us here.

References

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• Daws, R. E., Timmermann, C., Giribaldi, B., Sexton, J. D., Wall, M. B., Erritzoe, D., Roseman, L., & Nutt, D. (2022). Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin mushrooms for depression. Nature Medicine, 28(4), 844-851. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01744-z
• Shao, L. X., Liao, C., Gregg, I., Davoudian, P. A., Savalia, N. K., Delagarza, K., & Kwan, A. C. (2021, August 1). Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo. Neuron; Cell Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2021.06.008
• Barrett, F. S., Doss, M. K., Sepeda, N. D., Pekar, J. J., & Griffiths, R. R. (2020). Emotions and brain function are altered up to one month after a single high dose of psilocybin. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59282-y
• McCulloch, D. E. W., Madsen, M., Stenbæk, D. S., Kristiansen, S., Ozenne, B., Jensen, P., Knudsen, G. M., & Fisher, P. M. (2021, June 30). Lasting effects of a single psilocybin dose on resting-state functional connectivity in healthy individuals. Journal of Psychopharmacology; SAGE Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211026454
• Rootman, J. M., Kryskow, P., Harvey, K., Stamets, P., Kuypers, K. P., Polito, V., Bourzat, F., & Walsh, Z. (2021). Adults who microdose psychedelics report health related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01811-4