The Magic Of Mushrooms For Depression

The Bottom Line

When correctly prepared for, a single dose of psilocybin can reduce depressive symptoms for six months.

Summary

Magic mushrooms refer to several species of mushrooms that contain psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin. Psilocybin is a powerful hallucinogen used for centuries to gain spiritual insight and personal growth. Now, interest in psilocybin for depression, anxiety, and PTSD is growing and for a good reason. Unlike most treatments for depression, no long term or daily use of psilocybin is necessary to experience symptom relief. A single dose of psilocybin can reduce depressive symptoms for six months.

So how does a psychedelic reduce depression? While research is ongoing to figure out the mechanism, two things appear to happen to the brain after treatment with psilocybin, a functional reset, and an increase in neurogenesis.

Depression is linked to the decline of neurons in the prefrontal cortex. This brain region is associated with complex cognitive behavior and decision making. Furthermore, this decline of neurons is exacerbated by stress and repaired by psilocybin (Carhart-Harris et al. 2017).

Psilocybin acts on serotonin receptors along with increasing gene expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and genes associated with neuronal plasticity. Neuronal plasticity is the ability of your brain to change. For years, scientists thought the brain was static and unchanging after adulthood. It turns out; this couldn’t be further from the truth. Powerful psychedelic experiences, such as those with psilocybin, can rewire the brain increasing synaptic connections, dendritic spines, and neuronal density (Ly et al. 2018).

Unlike standard treatments for depression, the structural changes to the brain caused by psilocybin last and can be a cure for depression – no need for daily treatment or pills.

Furthermore, what makes psilocybin unique is the strength of the mystical experience that appears to play an essential role in the efficacy of this compound for depression. Subjects with the best results and the most extended relief of depressive symptoms report an emotional breakthrough and a renewed perspective after their experience with psilocybin. While the mechanism behind this can be hard to tease out in a lab, it would appear that a more intense mystical experience could be the result of a more significant reorganization, more neurogenesis, and a functional reset (Johnson and Griffiths 2017).

How To Implement

Psilocybin is illegal in many countries. Do not break the law and always consult with your doctor before starting or changing any treatments. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

Along with the many benefits, there are also risks with taking psilocybin. Anyone with high blood pressure, risk of cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, or a family history of psychiatric disorders should not take psilocybin.

Across all studies of psilocybin for depression, two things appear most important: set and setting along with the intensity of the mystical experience (Johnson et al. 2011).

8 Things To Consider When Taking Psilocybin For Depression

Have a trusted person monitor your experience. They can help put you at ease, ensure nothing harmful happens, and help you through a bad trip if one occurs. Ideally, this person makes you feel safe and secure.

Take note of your mood before taking psilocybin. A negative or anxious mood can increase the likelihood of an adverse psychological reaction.

Select a comfortable, relaxing environment. Turn off cellphones. An abrupt ring can be distracting or alarming.

Eyeshades and headphones playing supportive music can reduce distraction.

Prepare to surrender to the experience mentally. Trust that you will return to your normal state of consciousness. If you experience disturbing imagery, try to explore it, get curious about it instead of fighting it.

Don’t try to analyze experiences while on psilocybin; instead, collect experiences to discuss later.

What happens post-treatment with psilocybin appears to be just as crucial as during treatment. Post-treatment, discuss, and work through your experiences with a loved one or professional.

Most studies use a dose of 20 – 30mg psilocybin per 70kg of body weight. For safety reasons, start with a lower dose.