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    Home » Psilocybin Alters Brain Activity for Weeks, Offering Hope for Depression Treatment

    Psilocybin Alters Brain Activity for Weeks, Offering Hope for Depression Treatment

    Aditya LenkaBy Aditya LenkaOctober 8, 2024Updated:October 14, 2024 Science No Comments2 Mins Read
    Psilocybin

    Psilocybin’s Long-Term Effects on the Brain and Its Potential for Treating Depression

    The active compound in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, has effects that go beyond short-lived hallucinations. New research shows it can alter brain activity for weeks, which may explain its effectiveness in treating severe depression.

    How Psilocybin Affects the Brain

    A team from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, in a study published in Nature, explored how psilocybin impacts brain function. They found that it influences the default mode network (DMN)—a region linked to self-awareness, time perception, and spatial orientation.

    According to Dr. Joshua Siegel, a co-author of the study, psilocybin reduces synchrony within the DMN. This change may cause the altered sense of self and shifts in time and space perception experienced during a psychedelic trip.

    Study Design and Results

    Seven participants with prior experience using psychedelics were chosen to ensure they could tolerate a high dose of psilocybin (equal to 5 grams of dried mushrooms) during MRI scans. In a double-blind setup, participants were randomly given either 25 mg of psilocybin or 40 mg of methylphenidate (generic Ritalin). After one to two weeks, they received the alternate substance.

    Participants had MRI scans before, during, and after each session—totaling 18 scans each. Results showed the DMN returned to normal activity levels the day after psilocybin intake. However, communication between the DMN and the anterior hippocampus (a region key to memory) stayed reduced for up to three weeks. This prolonged impact might explain why psilocybin-based therapies help patients become more receptive to treatment.

    Implications for Depression Treatment

    The study’s findings can guide companies developing psychedelics and related drugs. Understanding these effects may help identify optimal doses. Dr. Siegel believes psilocybin’s long-term impact on brain connectivity might explain why patients report improved mental flexibility and a renewed outlook after treatment.

    Enhanced mental flexibility, or “plasticity,” could be vital for treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression. It allows the brain to respond more effectively to therapy, boosting the chances of recovery.

    Rising Interest in Psychedelic Research

    Despite the demanding nature of the study, recruiting volunteers was relatively easy. This reflects the growing interest in psychedelic research and its potential benefits.

    As research on psilocybin deepens, it may pave the way for more effective treatments for various mental health conditions.

    Author

    • Aditya Lenka
      Aditya Lenka

      A multi-faceted professional with a diverse range of skills and experiences. He currently works as a Producer, Digital Marketer, and Journalist for several well-known media outlets, namely StratNewsGlobal, BharatShakti, and Interstellar. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Aditya has covered a wide range of topics and events across India, bringing a unique perspective to his work.When he's not busy producing content, Aditya enjoys exploring new places and cuisines, having traveled extensively throughout India. He's also an avid writer and poet, often penning his thoughts and musings in his free time. And when he wants to unwind and relax, Aditya spends time with his two loyal companions, Zorro and Pablo, his beloved dogs.Aditya's dynamic personality and varied interests make him a unique individual, always eager to learn and experience new things.

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    Aditya Lenka
    Aditya Lenka

      A multi-faceted professional with a diverse range of skills and experiences. He currently works as a Producer, Digital Marketer, and Journalist for several well-known media outlets, namely StratNewsGlobal, BharatShakti, and Interstellar. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Aditya has covered a wide range of topics and events across India, bringing a unique perspective to his work.When he's not busy producing content, Aditya enjoys exploring new places and cuisines, having traveled extensively throughout India. He's also an avid writer and poet, often penning his thoughts and musings in his free time. And when he wants to unwind and relax, Aditya spends time with his two loyal companions, Zorro and Pablo, his beloved dogs.Aditya's dynamic personality and varied interests make him a unique individual, always eager to learn and experience new things.

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