Those grappling with terminal diseases frequently experience intense emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, existential crises, and a feeling of losing purpose, which further exacerbates their challenging circumstances.
While existing interventions such as counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can offer support, they might not be effective for everyone. This limitation has prompted researchers to investigate alternative, pioneering strategies for end-of-life care.
There is growing evidence that psychedelic therapy could potentially alleviate existential suffering in patients with incurable diseases. According to a review in Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry, psychedelics may help to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, improve quality of life, and lessen fears related to death among patients with life-threatening conditions.
To further assess the effectiveness of psilocybin mushrooms, many Canadians buy shrooms online for investigatory reasons.
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Psilocybin’s Impact on the Brain
The National Institutes of Health characterizes psychedelics from shrooms as powerful substances that can alter cognition. They affect mood and perception by interacting with the serotonin circuits in the brain.
Let’s delve into what various studies have uncovered:
| Researchers | Observations |
| Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas | Psychedelics like psilocybin interact with serotonin 2A receptors which regulate emotions and perception. |
| A study from Mental Health News | Psilocybin, a natural hallucinogenic compound present in more than 200 fungi species, could potentially rewire the brains of individuals with depression, possibly leading to a cure. |
| Researchers from UC San Francisco and Imperial College London | Psilocybin enhances connections between different regions of the brain in people with depression, potentially helping them to move past excessive self-focus and rumination. |
| A randomized, double-blind trial by John Hopkins University | High doses of psilocybin significantly alleviated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fear of death, while improving quality of life, sense of life’s purpose, and optimism. |
| Clinical trial from New York University | Between 60% and 80% of participants reported a decrease in anxiety |
Investigative Study
The researchers from the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences conducted 2 studies using 60 participants who underwent fMRI brain scans to support this.
Methodology
- First Study. All participants, all of whom were experiencing treatment-resistant depression, were given psilocybin.
- Second Study. Participants with milder depression were not informed if they received psilocybin or an antidepressant placebo (escitalopram). They all also participated in the same psychotherapy.
Scans were conducted before and after treatment to assess the effects.
Results
- Psilocybin treatment reduced connections within brain areas related to depression, including the default mode, salience, and executive networks. It also fostered connections to lesser integrated brain regions.
- It minimized emotional avoidance effects and resulted in significant improvements in cognitive functioning.
The effects of psilocybin on brain restructuring lasted up to three weeks after the second dose. Therefore, psilocybin may offer an alternative solution for depression by reshaping the brain and reducing ingrained negative thought patterns associated with the disorder. This outcome suggests that psilocybin operates differently from conventional antidepressants.
Psilocybin Therapy – A Promising Treatment Approach
Psilocybin therapy involves the controlled application of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting, usually in conjunction with psychological support. This approach is increasingly recognized for its potential in treating treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and existential distress in terminally ill patients.
Recently, a 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 medicinal use of psilocybin for end-of-life care. According to the survey published in Palliative Medicine, nearly 4
One in every five Canadians supports the use of psilocybin to mitigate existential distress at the end of life.
According to Michel Dorval, the lead investigator, studies have shown that psilocybin, when used in combination with psychotherapy, can provide quick, substantial and lasting relief for individuals dealing with advanced cancer. It’s important to note that psilocybin-assisted therapy can induce a deep sense of understanding and relief that can persist for up to six months.
In addition, the survey indicates that those with a background in palliative care or prior psilocybin use expressed more support. Dorval suggested that personal encounters with end-of-life distress might contribute to this receptivity to innovative approaches.
Despite prevailing prejudices against psychedelic drugs, the research reveals a growing acceptance of psilocybin therapy in Canada, particularly in the context of palliative and end-of-life care. The authors expect that these findings will improve the availability of this groundbreaking therapy.
Further Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
1. Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
In a double-blind, randomized trial involving 93 participants, reported in JAMA Psychiatry in August 2022, the combination of psilocybin and psychotherapy resulted in significantly fewer heavy drinking days over approximately eight months compared to a control group undergoing placebo therapy. The group treated with psilocybin also consumed less alcohol on the days they did drink.
2. Aid in Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking is well-known to be highly difficult. However, a small pilot study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in January 2017, suggested that psilocybin, combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helped 10 out of 15 participants stay smoke-free for a year. A subsequent study implied that the psychedelic experience could potentially reshape a smoker’s identity, fostering long-term abstinence.
3. Anorexia Treatment
New findings suggest that psilocybin may be beneficial for individuals afflicted by anorexia. A preliminary study published in Biological Psychiatry in May 2022 reported significant symptom and anxiety reduction in adults with anorexia after undergoing psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.
4. Alleviation of End-of-Life Anxiety
Many people diagnosed with terminal illnesses often grapple with anxiety and depression. Psilocybin therapy presents a beacon of hope, with emerging evidence suggesting it may help alleviate these symptoms. Studies have documented substantial decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer diagnoses who have undergone psilocybin therapy.
What to Expect from Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy holds promise for delivering potent healing effects promptly and potentially offering enduring benefits. Each session is customized to meet individual needs and adheres to specific clinic or trial protocols.
| Stage | Details | Length |
| Preparation | Initial sessions aim to discuss any fears and treatment goals with a facilitator, fostering a secure environment and robust relationship. | 1 to 6 hours |
| During | The participant ingests a dose of psilocybin in a relaxed setting, laying down, masked eyes, listening to a chosen playlist, and in the company of a therapist. | 5 to 8 hours |
| Follow-up | Subsequent sessions offer a forum to process the experience with the therapist, aiding in integrating the insights into daily life. | Several sessions over hours |
Guidelines for Engaging in Psilocybin Therapy
- Explore 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 to ensure a more therapeutic experience.
- Interview potential therapists, inquiring about their credentials, experience, therapeutic methods, and expertise in mental health disorders.
- Be open and honest about your real motivations for seeking treatment, mental health conditions, medical records, and family mental health background.
- Consider therapists who specialize in your particular mental health disorder and consult bodies like the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA) for guidance and training.
- Give a full account of your medical and mental health history, especially if there is a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- Discuss your decision to pursue psilocybin therapy with your current mental health provider and inquire if they’re willing to collaborate with your psilocybin therapy team.
- Talk about the dosage, protocol, and the need to start
- When starting psilocybin therapy, especially if it’s your first time, it is recommended to begin with lower doses for your safety, in consultation with your psilocybin therapist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is suitable for psilocybin therapy?
If you’re grappling with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, trying to quit smoking, or dealing with a terminal disease, psilocybin therapy may be worth considering.
However, if you or your family have a history of schizophrenia or psychosis, psychoactive substances like psilocybin could potentially exacerbate your symptoms. Likewise, individuals with bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder are generally advised not to partake.
What is the usual dosage for psilocybin in therapy?
Dosage typically varies, often starting with smaller doses in a therapeutic environment, and adjusting based on individual responses. Clinical research has shown that a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin, along with psychological support, led to decreased depression levels in individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
Can psilocybin be utilized to treat PTSD?
This is a swiftly progressing area of research. Nonetheless, studies on MDMA, an unconventional psychedelic with stimulant qualities, used in combination with psychotherapy for PTSD treatment, are more progressed. These studies have reached phase 3 clinical trials, and it’s expected that MDMA may receive approval for PTSD treatment this year.
