Those grappling with life-ending diseases often confront substantial emotional upheaval, including depression, anxiety, existential dread, and a loss of purpose, exacerbating the complexity of their circumstances.
Although traditional treatments like counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) have proven helpful, they may not be effective for all. This has spurred scientists to investigate alternative, groundbreaking methods for palliative care.
Emerging research suggests that psychedelic therapy could be a potential remedy for existential distress among patients with terminal illnesses. A review in Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry posits that psychedelics might alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce fear associated with death among those facing life-threatening conditions.
In order to delve deeper into the efficacy of psilocybin mushrooms, many Canadians frequently buy shrooms online for investigative purposes.
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How Psilocybin Affects the Brain
The National Institutes of Health characterize psychedelics derived from shrooms as powerful substances that alter cognition. They impact mood and perception by interacting with the brain’s serotonin circuits.
Let’s examine what various studies have discovered:
| Researchers | Observations |
| Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas | Psychedelics such as psilocybin interact with serotonin 2A receptors, which manage emotions and perception. |
| An investigation by Mental Health News | Psilocybin, a natural hallucinogenic compound present in over 200 fungi species, could restructure the brains of depression sufferers, potentially leading to a remedy. |
| Researchers from UC San Francisco and Imperial College London | Psilocybin enhances connectivity between various brain regions in depressed individuals, possibly aiding them in overcoming excessive self-focused thoughts and ruminations. |
| A randomized, double-blind trial by John Hopkins University | High concentrations of psilocybin significantly decreased depression, anxiety, and fear of death, 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 and depression after undergoing psilocybin therapy, resulting in a reduction of existential distress. It was also noted that the therapeutic effects were associated with the psychedelic experience elicited by psilocybin. |
Clinical Research
To support these findings, researchers from UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences performed two separate studies involving 60 participants who underwent fMRI brain scans.
Methodology
- First Study. All subjects were grappling with treatment-resistant depression and were given psilocybin.
- Second Study. Participants with milder depression were unaware if they received psilocybin or an antidepressant placebo (escitalopram). All participants experienced the same psychotherapy treatment.
Brain scans were taken before and after the treatment to assess the effects.
Results
- Psilocybin therapy reduced connections within brain regions linked to depression, including the default mode, salience, and executive networks. Additionally, it strengthened connections to less integrated areas of the brain.
- It also lessened the effects of emotional avoidance and significantly improved cognitive function.
The influence of psilocybin on brain rewiring was sustained for up to three weeks following the second dose. Therefore, psilocybin could potentially serve as an alternative treatment for depression by reshaping the brain and reducing persistent negative thought patterns associated with the condition. These results suggest that psilocybin operates differently from conventional antidepressants.
Psilocybin Therapy – A Promising Treatment Approach
Psilocybin therapy involves the controlled use of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting, usually combined with psychological support. This approach is increasingly being recognized for its potential to treat depression resistant to traditional treatments, anxiety, and existential distress in terminally ill patients.
A recent survey conducted by researchers from Université Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy, McGill University, Université de Montréal, and UQAR aimed to gauge public opinion on the use of psilocybin for end-of-life care. According to the survey published in Palliative Medicine, nearly 4
One in five Canadians support using psilocybin to mitigate existential distress during end-of-life care.
Lead researcher Michel Dorval noted that studies indicate that psilocybin, when used alongside psychotherapy, can provide rapid, substantial, and long-lasting relief for individuals grappling with advanced cancer. It’s worth highlighting that psilocybin-based therapy can elicit a deep sense of comprehension and relief that may persist for up to six months.
Moreover, the survey indicates that those who have experience in palliative care or previous use of psilocybin are more supportive. Dorval suggested that personal experiences with end-of-life distress may contribute to this receptiveness towards innovative treatments.
Despite prevailing prejudices against psychedelic drugs, the study reveals a growing acceptance of psilocybin therapy in Canada, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care contexts. The authors expect that these insights will improve the accessibility of this new therapy.
Additional Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
1. Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
In a double-blind, randomized trial involving 93 participants, published in JAMA Psychiatry in August 2022, it was revealed that the amalgamation of psilocybin and psychotherapy resulted in significantly less heavy drinking days over approximately eight months compared to a control group given placebo therapy. The group that received psilocybin also consumed less alcohol on the days they did drink.
2. Aid in Smoking Cessation
While it is notoriously hard to quit smoking, a small preliminary study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in January 2017, suggested that psilocybin, when combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helped 10 out of 15 participants to abstain from smoking for a year. A subsequent study proposed that the psychedelic experience might help reshape a smoker’s identity, thereby encouraging long-term abstinence.
3. Intervention for Anorexia
Emerging research indicates that psilocybin may be helpful for those battling anorexia. An initial study published in Biological Psychiatry in May 2022 reported significant reductions in symptoms of eating disorders and anxiety in adults with anorexia who underwent psilocybin-facilitated psychotherapy.
4. Alleviating End-of-life Anxiety
Many individuals diagnosed with terminal diseases often suffer from anxiety and depression. Encouragingly, there is substantial evidence that psilocybin therapy can help mitigate these symptoms. Studies have shown a significant decrease in depression and anxiety levels among patients diagnosed with life-threatening cancers who have undergone psilocybin therapy.
What Can You Expect from Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy has the power to offer swift healing outcomes that may produce enduring benefits. Each session is personalized to meet the individual’s needs and adheres to specific clinic or trial guidelines.
| Phase | Description | Duration |
| Prior | The initial sessions aim to discuss any apprehensions and treatment goals with a facilitator, fostering a solid relationship and a secure environment. | 1 to 6 hours |
| During | The participant ingests a dose of psilocybin in a relaxed environment, lying down with an eye mask, listening to a chosen playlist, and under the supervision of a therapist. | 5 to 8 hours |
| Subsequent | Follow-up sessions offer an opportunity to reflect on the experience with the therapist, facilitating the integration of insights into daily life. | Several sessions lasting several hours each |
Advice for Pursuing Psilocybin Therapy
- Research clinics where psilocybin is legal and consider joining a waiting list if necessary.
- Choose a clinic that administers psilocybin treatment under the supervision of a therapist or a professional guide for a more effective therapy session.
- Interview potential therapists about their qualifications, experience, therapeutic techniques, and proficiency in handling mental health conditions.
- Be honest about your motivations for seeking treatment, mental health status, medical records, and family mental health history.
- Consider therapists who specialize in your specific mental health issue and seek advice and training from organizations like the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA).
- Give a detailed account of your medical and mental health history, especially if there is a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- Discuss your decision to opt for psilocybin therapy with your current mental health provider and inquire if they are willing to collaborate with your psilocybin therapy team.
- Discuss the dosage, protocol, and the need to begin or end any medications with your therapist before starting the therapy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is suited for psilocybin therapy?
If you are dealing with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, trying to quit smoking, or coping with a terminal disease, you might consider psilocybin therapy.
However, if you have a history or a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis, hallucinogens like psilocybin might exacerbate your symptoms. Likewise, individuals with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are usually advised not to use it.
What is the usual dosage of psilocybin in therapy?
The dosage typically varies, often starting with smaller doses in a therapeutic environment and adjusting as per individual responses. Clinical studies have indicated that a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin, administered alongside psychological support, resulted in reduced depression scores in treatment-resistant depression.
Is psilocybin a viable treatment for PTSD?
This is a rapidly progressing research area. However, studies on MDMA, an unconventional psychedelic with stimulant properties used in combination with psychotherapy for PTSD treatment, are more developed. MDMA has reached phase 3 clinical trials for this application, and it is expected to receive approval for PTSD treatment within this year.
