Those grappling with terminal illnesses commonly experience significant emotional upheaval, including depression, anxiety, existential dread, and a feeling of lost direction, adding to the complexity of their circumstances.
Even though existing treatments such as counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can provide benefits, they might not be effective for everyone. This has prompted researchers to investigate alternative, creative methods for end-of-life care.
There is a growing body of research suggesting that psychedelic therapy might be a viable solution to manage existential distress in patients suffering from incurable diseases. A review featured in Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry indicates that psychedelics may help minimize depression and anxiety symptoms, improve the quality of life, and lessen death-related fears among patients with life-threatening conditions.
To delve deeper into the efficacy of psilocybin mushrooms, many Canadians buy shrooms online for research purposes.
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How Psilocybin Influences the Brain
The National Institutes of Health categorize psychedelics derived from shrooms as powerful substances that alter cognition. They affect mood and perception by interacting with the brain’s serotonin circuits.
Let’s delve into what different research studies have uncovered:
Researchers | Observations |
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas | Psychedelics such as psilocybin interact with serotonin 2A receptors that regulate emotions and perception. |
A study from Mental Health News | Psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic compound found in over 200 species of fungi, could restructure the brains of individuals struggling with depression, potentially leading to a resolution. |
Researchers from UC San Francisco and Imperial College London | Psilocybin enhances connections between different brain regions in depressed individuals, potentially assisting them to overcome excessive self-focus and rumination. |
A randomized, double-blind trial by John Hopkins University | High doses of psilocybin significantly reduced 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 and following psilocybin therapy, there was a notable reduction in depression, leading to a decrease in existential distress. The study further noted that these therapeutic effects were directly tied to the psychedelic experience brought on by psilocybin. |
Clinical Study Details
In order to validate these findings, researchers at the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences conducted 2 studies involving 60 participants who underwent fMRI brain scans.
Study Protocols
- First Study: Every participant was dealing with treatment-resistant depression and were given doses of psilocybin.
- Second Study: Participants with less severe depression were not informed if they were receiving psilocybin or an escitalopram placebo. All participants were also provided with the same psychotherapy.
Scans were performed before and after treatment to assess the outcomes.
Study Results
- Treatment with psilocybin reduced the connections within brain areas linked to depression, such as the default mode, salience, and executive networks. It also enhanced connections to less integrated areas of the brain.
- There was a reduction in emotional avoidance effects and significant improvements in cognitive functioning were observed.
The psilocybin effect on brain rewiring continued for up to three weeks after the second dose. Therefore, psilocybin could potentially be an alternative treatment for depression, as it restructures the brain and reduces negative thought patterns associated with the condition. These results suggest that psilocybin operates differently compared to traditional antidepressants.
Psilocybin Therapy – A Potential Treatment Approach
Psilocybin therapy involves the controlled application of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting, usually combined with psychological support. It’s becoming increasingly recognized for its potential to treat treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with terminal illnesses.
A recent survey conducted by researchers from Université Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy, McGill University, Université de Montréal, and UQAR was aimed at gauging public opinion on the medical use of psilocybin for end-of-life care. According to the survey published in Palliative Medicine, nearly 4 One in five Canadians are supportive of using psilocybin to mitigate the existential distress associated with end-of-life scenarios.
Lead researcher Michel Dorval has noted that there is significant evidence to suggest that psilocybin, when used in combination with psychotherapy, can provide quick, strong, and long-lasting relief for individuals confronting advanced cancer. It’s worth highlighting that psilocybin therapy can instill a deep sense of comprehension and relief that may extend for as long as six months.
Moreover, the survey indicates an increased level of support among those who have had exposure to palliative care or prior use of psilocybin. Dorval suggests that personal encounters with end-of-life distress may contribute to this willingness to explore new treatment approaches.
Despite prevailing prejudices against psychedelic substances, the study reflects a growing acceptance in Canada of psilocybin therapy, particularly in contexts of palliative and end-of-life care. The researchers predict that these results will enhance the accessibility of this innovative treatment method.
Further 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, evidence showed that pairing psilocybin with psychotherapy resulted in significantly reduced heavy drinking days over roughly eight months compared to a control group undergoing placebo therapy. Moreover, the group administered psilocybin reported lower alcohol consumption on the days they did imbibe.
2. Aid in Smoking Cessation
Although giving up smoking is notoriously difficult, a small-scale pilot study by Johns Hopkins University researchers, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in January 2017, suggested that psilocybin in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) allowed 10 out of 15 participants to abstain from smoking for a year. A subsequent study suggested that the psychedelic experience could help reshape a smoker’s identity, thereby fostering long-term abstinence.
3. Therapy for Anorexia
Emerging evidence suggests that psilocybin could offer therapeutic benefits for individuals battling with anorexia. A preliminary study published in Biological Psychiatry in May 2022 reported notable reductions in eating disorder and anxiety symptoms among adults with anorexia who had undergone psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.
4. Alleviating End-of-Life Anxiety
Living with Terminal Illness
Many individuals living with terminal illnesses often grapple with feelings of anxiety and depression. Psilocybin therapy offers a ray of hope, showing potential in easing these mental health issues. Studies have found that patients with life-threatening cancer who received psilocybin therapy experienced notable reductions in their levels of depression and anxiety.
What to Expect from Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy is a promising treatment that can facilitate profound healing quickly, with the possibility of long-term effects. Each session is custom-designed to meet individual requirements and adheres to specific clinic or trial protocols.
Phase | Description | Duration |
Before | The initial meetings center around discussing any apprehensions and treatment goals with the facilitator. This helps to establish trust and create a secure environment. | 1 to 6 hours |
During | The participant ingests a dose of psilocybin in a relaxed setting. They are typically lying down, wearing an eye mask, listening to a pre-selected playlist, and under the supervision of a therapist. | 5 to 8 hours |
After | Follow-up sessions provide an opportunity to reflect on the experience with the therapist, which aids in integrating the insights into day-to-day life. | Several sessions spread over hours |
Guidance for Undertaking Psilocybin Therapy
- Research clinics where psilocybin is legally permitted and consider joining a waiting list if necessary.
- Choose a clinic that offers psilocybin therapy in the presence of a therapist or professional guide to ensure a therapeutic experience.
- Verify potential therapists by inquiring about their qualifications, experience, therapeutic approach, and expertise in mental health disorders.
- Be open about your genuine reasons for seeking therapy, any existing mental health conditions, medical history, and family mental health background.
- Consider therapists who are specialized in treating your specific mental health issue. You can also consult organizations like the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA) for guidance and training.
- Thoroughly disclose your medical and mental health history, especially if there’s a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- Discuss your decision to engage in psilocybin therapy with your current mental health provider and check if they can collaborate with your psilocybin therapy team.
- Speak about the dosage, protocol, and the necessity to initiate with lower doses for safety with your psilocybin therapist, especially if you’re new to psilocybin therapy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who are suitable candidates for psilocybin therapy?
If you are grappling with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, trying to quit smoking, or dealing with a terminal disease, psilocybin therapy could be an option for you.
However, if you have a past history of schizophrenia or psychosis, or these conditions run in your family, hallucinogens like psilocybin could potentially exacerbate your symptoms. Likewise, individuals with bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder are generally advised against it.
What’s the usual psilocybin dosage in therapy?
The dosage often varies, typically starting with lower doses in a therapeutic context and being adjusted according to individual responses. Clinical studies have indicated that a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin, in conjunction with psychological support, led to reduced depression scores in treatment-resistant depression.
Can psilocybin be utilized for PTSD treatment?
This is a fast-growing area of research. However, studies on MDMA, a non-traditional psychedelic with stimulant properties used alongside psychotherapy for PTSD treatment, are more developed. Trials on this psychedelic have advanced to phase 3 clinical trials, and it is expected that MDMA may be approved for PTSD treatment within this year.