People grappling with terminal diseases frequently experience significant emotional distress, including feelings of depression, anxiety, existential crises, and a sense of loss of purpose, which further complicates their situation.
Although existing therapies such as counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be beneficial, they are not universally effective. This has prompted researchers to investigate novel and alternative methods for end-of-life care.
Emerging research suggests that psychedelic therapy could be a promising option for alleviating existential distress in patients with incurable illnesses. A review in Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry indicates that psychedelics may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve life quality, and lessen death-related fears among those with life-threatening conditions.
To further investigate the potential benefits of psilocybin mushrooms, many Canadians buy shrooms online for exploratory purposes.
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How Psilocybin Affects the Brain
The National Institutes of Health characterizes psychedelics derived from shrooms as potent compounds that can alter cognition. They impact mood and perception by interacting with the brain’s serotonin circuits.
Let’s delve into what various studies have found:
| Researchers | Observations |
| Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas | Psychedelics such as psilocybin affect serotonin 2A receptors that regulate emotions and perception. |
| A study from Mental Health News | Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound naturally present in over 200 species of fungi, could rewire the brains of those battling depression, potentially leading to a cure. |
| Researchers from UC San Francisco and Imperial College London | Psilocybin enhances connectivity between different brain regions in depressed individuals, potentially aiding them in overcoming excessive self-focus and rumination. |
| A randomized, double-blind trial by John Hopkins University | High doses of psilocybin significantly decreased depression, anxiety, and death anxiety, while improving life quality, sense of life’s meaning, and optimism. |
| Clinical trial from New York University | Between 60% and 80% of participants reported reduced anxiety |
Scientific Investigation
The UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences conducted 2 separate investigations involving 60 participants who underwent fMRI brain scans for validation.
Methodology
- First Investigation: The participants, all of whom were battling treatment-resistant depression, were given psilocybin.
- Second Investigation: Participants with milder depression were not informed if they were receiving psilocybin or an antidepressant placebo (escitalopram). All participants also received the same psychotherapy.
Brain scans were taken before and after treatment to assess the effects.
Results
- Psilocybin treatment reduced connections within brain regions associated with depression, including the default mode, salience, and executive networks. It also boosted connections to less integrated brain areas.
- It mitigated the effects of emotional avoidance and significantly improved cognitive functioning.
The brain restructuring effects of psilocybin lasted up to three weeks after the second dose. This suggests that psilocybin offers a potential alternative treatment for depression by remodeling the brain and reducing entrenched negative thought patterns associated with the disorder. These results show that psilocybin operates differently from traditional antidepressants.
Psilocybin Therapy – A Potential Therapeutic Approach
Psilocybin therapy involves the controlled use of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting, generally accompanied by psychological assistance. This approach is being recognized for its potential to treat refractory depression, anxiety, and existential distress in terminally ill patients.
Researchers from Université Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy, McGill University, Université de Montréal, and UQAR recently conducted a survey to gauge public opinion on the medicinal use of psilocybin for end-of-life care. According to the study published in Palliative Medicine, nearly 4 One in every five Canadians supports the use of psilocybin to alleviate existential distress at the end of life.
Michel Dorval, the lead researcher, noted that studies have shown that psilocybin, used in conjunction with psychotherapy, can provide quick, strong, and long-lasting relief for individuals coping with advanced cancer. It is worth highlighting that psilocybin-assisted therapy can trigger a deep sense of understanding and relief, lasting up to six months.
Moreover, the survey indicates that individuals with prior engagement in palliative care or previous usage of psilocybin are more supportive. Dorval suggested that personal experiences with end-of-life distress could contribute to this receptiveness towards innovative approaches.
Notwithstanding the prevailing prejudices against psychedelic drugs, the study reveals a growing acceptance of psilocybin therapy in Canada, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care settings. The authors expect that these results will improve the accessibility of this groundbreaking therapy.
Additional Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
1. Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
In a double-blind, randomized trial involving 93 individuals, published in JAMA Psychiatry in August 2022, it was found that combining psilocybin with psychotherapy resulted in a significant reduction in heavy drinking days over approximately eight months compared to a control group receiving placebo therapy. Furthermore, the psilocybin group drank less alcohol on the days they did drink.
2. Aid in Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking is notoriously difficult, but a small pilot study conducted by Johns Hopkins University researchers, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in January 2017, suggested that psilocybin, in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), allowed 10 out of 15 participants to stay smoke-free for a year. A subsequent study indicated that the psychedelic experience could potentially help reshape a smoker’s identity, which could encourage long-term abstinence.
3. Therapeutic Approach for Anorexia
Emerging studies suggest that psilocybin could be useful for people struggling with anorexia. A preliminary study published in Biological Psychiatry in May 2022 reported significant decreases in symptoms of eating disorders and anxiety in adults with anorexia who underwent psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.
4. Alleviating End-of-Life Anxiety
Many individuals diagnosed with terminal illnesses often grapple with feelings of anxiety and depression. However, there’s growing evidence that psilocybin therapy can help mitigate these symptoms. Studies have demonstrated significant declines in depression and anxiety among patients diagnosed with life-threatening cancers who have undergone psilocybin therapy.
What to Expect from Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy holds the promise of delivering potent healing results promptly, with the potential for long-term benefits. Each session is custom-designed to cater to individual needs and adheres to specific clinical or trial guidelines.
| Phase | Description | Duration |
| Before | Initial sessions revolve around discussing any apprehensions and treatment goals with a facilitator, aiming to establish a secure and trusting environment. | 1 to 6 hours |
| During | The participant ingests a dose of psilocybin in a relaxed environment, lying down, wearing an eye mask, listening to a selected playlist, and accompanied by a therapist. | 5 to 8 hours |
| After | Follow-up sessions offer a setting to interpret the experience with the therapist, thus assisting in integrating the insights into daily life. | Several sessions lasting hours |
Guidelines for Undertaking Psilocybin Therapy
- Investigate clinics where psilocybin is legal and contemplate joining a waiting list if necessary.
- Choose a clinic that administers psilocybin treatment in the company of a therapist or a professional guide for an enhanced therapeutic experience.
- Interview potential therapists, inquiring about their qualifications, experience, therapeutic methods, and expertise in mental health disorders.
- Be open about your genuine reasons for seeking treatment, mental health concerns, medical records, and family mental health history.
- Consider therapists specializing in your particular mental health condition and consult organizations such as the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA) for guidance and training.
- Provide a thorough account of your medical and mental health history, especially if there’s a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- Discuss your decision to pursue psilocybin therapy with your current mental health provider and enquire if they are willing to collaborate with your psilocybin therapy team.
- Discuss the dosage, protocol, and the necessity to start with your psilocybin therapist, especially if you’re new to psilocybin therapy, it’s advisable to start with lower doses for safety.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from psilocybin therapy?
If you’re dealing with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, trying to quit smoking, or coping with a terminal illness, you might find psilocybin therapy helpful.
However, if you have a history of schizophrenia or psychosis, or if these conditions run in your family, hallucinogens like psilocybin might exacerbate your symptoms. Likewise, individuals with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are generally advised against using these substances.
What’s the usual dosage of psilocybin in therapy?
The dosage can vary, starting with lower doses in a therapeutic context and adjusting based on individual responses. Clinical research shows that a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin, provided alongside psychological support, led to reduced depression ratings in individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
Can psilocybin be used to treat PTSD?
This is a fast-developing area of research. However, studies on MDMA, a non-traditional psychedelic with stimulant properties used in combination with psychotherapy for PTSD treatment, are more advanced. Clinical trials on this psychedelic have reached phase 3, and it is expected that MDMA may receive approval for PTSD treatment this year.
