Psychedelic
Episodes
In this clip, Dr. Griffiths talks about the effect of dose on psilocybin mystical experiences and ‘bad trips’.
This episode discusses qualities of the psychedelic experience that most lend psilocybin to be potentially therapeutically beneficial for depression.
In this clip, Dr. Roland Griffiths describes the current state of research on psychedelic drugs.
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In this clip, Dr. Griffiths talks about the effect of dose on psilocybin mystical experiences and ‘bad trips’.
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This episode discusses qualities of the psychedelic experience that most lend psilocybin to be potentially therapeutically beneficial for depression.
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In this clip, Dr. Roland Griffiths describes the current state of research on psychedelic drugs.
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In this clip, Dr. Roland Griffiths discusses the potential uses, challenges, and risks associated with gaining FDA approval for psilocybin use as a therapeutic treatment.
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In this clip, Dr. Roland Griffiths describes the current state of research on long-term meditation and the role psilocybin plays in that research.
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In this clip, Dr. Roland Griffiths discusses the reorganizational effects that psychedelic experiences have on the brain and their potential use in treating mental disorders.
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Indigenous use of ayahuasca, psilocybin, peyote for religious healing rituals | Roland Griffiths ClipIn this clip, Dr. Roland Griffiths and Dr. Rhonda Patrick discuss the sociocultural aspects of hallucinogenic substance use.
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In this clip, Dr. Roland Griffiths discusses similarities in the effects of psilocybin and meditation on the brain and their potential usefulness in treating depression.
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Sauna use, depression and addiction — the dynorphin thermoregulatory connection | Roland Griffiths ClipIn this clip, Dr. Rhonda Patrick describes how sauna use activates the Salvinorin A pathway, potentially ameliorating symptoms of depression and opioid addiction.
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In this clip, Dr. Roland Griffiths describes new findings that suggest psilocybin may be useful in managing the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.
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Psychedelic drugs, psilocybin, and transcendent experiences as antidepressants | Charles Raison ClipDr. Charles Raison discusses how psychedelic substances like psilocybin, which induce transcendent trance-like states may be useful in the treatment of depression.
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Dr. Charles Raison discusses the role inflammation plays in the development of depression in response to illness and stress.
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Dr. Roland Griffiths discusses the effects of the psychedelic compound psilocybin on the human brain.
Topic Pages
News & Publications
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Depression symptoms dropped markedly after one 25-milligram psilocybin dose in a study of people with severe treatment-resistant depression. psychiatryonline.org
People with severe treatment-resistant depression—those who don’t respond to five or more treatments—often struggle for years, cycling through medications and therapies that fail to provide relief. Standard treatments, including neuromodulation techniques like deep brain stimulation, have limited success and carry considerable risks. A recent study found that a single dose of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, provided rapid and lasting relief for people with treatment-resistant depression.
Researchers conducted a 12-week, open-label trial involving 12 adults with severe treatment-resistant depression. Participants received a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin and met with therapists before, during, and after the dosing session to help process their experiences. Using a standard depression symptom scale, researchers assessed changes in depression severity at three weeks, with additional assessments up to 12 weeks.
By week three, the participants' depressive symptoms had dropped markedly, with an average reduction in severity of nearly 16 points on a standard scale. These improvements persisted through week 12. However, participants with post-traumatic stress disorder experienced less benefit, indicating that having more than one neuropsychiatric condition may influence treatment response.
This was a small study, but the findings suggest that psilocybin, combined with psychological support, could be a powerful tool for people with severe treatment-resistant depression. Larger studies may yield more conclusive results. Learn more about psilocybin in this episode featuring the late Dr. Roland Griffiths.
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Psilocybin from 'magic' mushrooms offers comparable or enhanced depression relief over traditional SSRIs, improving social functioning and life meaning. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370\(24\)00378-X/fulltext
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms, is gaining attention for its potential to treat depression. Traditional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been widely used for years, but they carry many risks. A recent study found that psilocybin was comparable to or better than SSRIs in treating depression.
Researchers assigned 59 people with moderate-to-severe depression to one of two groups. One group received two 25-milligram doses of psilocybin, and the other received a six-week course of escitalopram—a widely prescribed SSRI. Both groups received six months of psychological support. At the end of the trial, the researchers assessed the participants' depressive symptoms.
They found that both groups experienced lasting reductions in depression severity over six months. However, participants in the psilocybin group had greater improvements in social functioning, connectedness, and life meaning than the escitalopram group.
The findings from this small study bolster other research demonstrating the beneficial mental health effects of psilocybin. Psilocybin stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain, promoting mood, perception, and thought pattern changes, potentially reducing symptoms of depression. Learn more about psilocybin’s effects on depression in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.
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Older adults who used psychedelics exhibited better cognitive function and fewer depressive symptoms than non-users. journals.sagepub.com
Psychedelic drugs are hallucinogenic substances that alter cognition and perception, inducing visual and auditory changes and a “heightened state of consciousness.” They have a long history of traditional use in medicine and religion for their perceived ability to promote physical and mental health. A recent review found that older adults who have used psychedelic drugs tend to exhibit better cognitive functioning and fewer depressive symptoms than those who have not.
The study involved more than 2,500 adults between the ages of 42 and 92. Researchers assessed participants' executive function and episodic memory and enquired about their use of psychedelic drugs, including marijuana, LSD, or other hallucinogens (e.g., PCP, angel dust, peyote, ecstasy, mescaline, or Prozac), in the previous 12 months.
They found that participants who reported psychedelic use had better executive function but not episodic memory. They also tended to have fewer depressive symptoms.
Psychedelic drugs primarily act on serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, altering perception, mood, and cognition. These changes in brain activity and connectivity may promote neuroplasticity, potentially benefiting overall cognitive function and mental health. Learn more about psychedelic drugs in this episode featuring Dr. Roland Griffiths.
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Psilocybin reduces symptoms of depression, especially among people with secondary depression. www.bmj.com
Antidepressant use is increasing worldwide, especially in high-income countries. However, roughly 30 percent of people taking the drugs are resistant to their effects. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that people with depressive symptoms who took psilocybin were two times more likely to respond to treatment than those not taking the drug.
Researchers analyzed the findings of randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effects of psilocybin therapy on depressive symptoms. They included nine studies involving 436 patients in their analysis.
They found that participants taking psilocybin were two times more likely to respond to treatment than those not taking the drug, especially among those with secondary depression, which can arise due to another medical or psychological issue. Participants experienced few adverse effects, and most were mild and transient. Interestingly, those who had used psychedelics before experienced greater symptom relief, possibly due to “expectancy bias” – a phenomenon where a person’s previous experience makes them expect positive results.
These findings suggest that psilocybin exerts potent antidepressant effects. Although the treatment response was high, the review’s authors graded the quality of the evidence as “low” due to heterogeneity among the studies, including dose and concomitant psychotherapy.
Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound present in mushrooms. Learn more about the effects of psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs in this episode featuring Dr. Roland Griffiths.
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Meta-analysis: Psilocybin therapy yields a threefold likelihood of remission of depression symptoms. www.sciencedirect.com
Nearly 25 million adults living in the United States take antidepressant medications. Unfortunately, 10 to 30 percent of those taking antidepressants are resistant to the drugs' effects. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that patients with depression who took psilocybin were more than three times more likely to experience remission than those who didn’t.
Researchers evaluated the findings of randomized clinical trials and open-label trials that evaluated depression symptoms among patients diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses or major depressive disorder after receiving psilocybin therapy. They included nine studies involving nearly 600 patients in their final analysis.
They found that participants taking psilocybin were more than twice as likely to have a positive response to therapy than those not taking the drug. They were also more than three times more likely to experience symptom remission.
These findings suggest that psilocybin exerts potent antidepressant effects when used with psychotherapy. Several non-pharmacological adjunct therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in modulating the symptoms of depression, including exercise, dietary modification, meditation, sauna use, and light therapy. Learn more about these approaches in our overview article on depression.
Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound present in mushrooms. Learn more about the effects of psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs in this episode featuring Dr. Roland Griffiths.
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Psychedelic drugs show potential in easing PTSD and TBI symptoms in military veterans. www.sciencedaily.com
Military veterans, especially those engaging in special operations, are at greater risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). A recent study found that psychedelic drugs reduce the symptoms associated with PTSD and TBI and improve cognition in special operations veterans.
The study involved 86 male special operations veterans who had reported experiencing various mental and physical health disorders, including memory/concentration problems, TBI, depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep problems, anger/rage, and fatigue. Each participant received a single oral dose of ibogaine hydrochloride. On a separate occasion, they received at least three incrementally increasing amounts (totaling 50 milligrams) of 5-MeO-DMT. Before and after each treatment session, they documented their emotional well-being and any other symptoms they experienced.
The participants reported marked improvements in their PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and anger symptoms, along with increased life satisfaction, even at six months post-treatment. In addition, their psychological flexibility and cognitive functioning increased, while post-concussion symptoms notably decreased, remaining improved at all follow-ups.
Participants reported positive changes in attitudes, behaviors, and relationships, and many considered the experience highly meaningful, spiritually significant, and psychologically insightful.
Ibogaine hydrochloride is a psychedelic drug found in the bark of the Tabernanthe iboga, a shrub native to Central and West Africa. It elicits prolonged effects (beginning 30 minutes to three hours after intake and peaking between 18 and 36 hours), often described as a “waking dream.”
5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a psychedelic drug obtained from various plants and the glands of the _ Incilius alvarius_ toad. It is a fast-acting, short-duration psychoactive, inducing feelings of awe, visual and auditory hallucinations, and other sensations common with classic psychedelics.
These findings suggest that psychedelic drugs improve symptoms associated with PTSD and TBI in military special operations veterans. These improvements were still evident at the six-month follow-up when the study ended. It is possible the effects endured even longer. Learn more about the effects of psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs in this episode featuring Dr. Roland Griffiths.
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Psilocybin is a bioactive psychedelic compound present in certain varieties of mushrooms, commonly referred to as “magic” mushrooms. With clinical trials finding psilocybin treatment to be effective at reducing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression and obsessive compulsive disorder, increasingly more attention is being drawn to the potential mental health benefits of the compound. Findings from a recent study indicate that a single dose of psilocybin triggers a tangible and lasting proliferation of new neuronal connections in the mouse brain, improving brain plasticity.
In the first phase of their study, the researchers set out to identify a dose of psilocybin that was sufficient to trigger behavioral indicators of mice having a psychedelic-like experience. This involved injecting 82 mice with five doses of psilocybin or a saline solution (of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight) and pinpointing the minimal dose of the drug that reliably caused the animals to twitch their heads. Then, after providing the animals a “psychedelic” dose of one milligram per kilogram of bodyweight, the researchers examined whether psilocybin had an influence on the neurons of the rodents’ frontal cortex – an area of the mammalian brain heavily involved in higher-level cognition, imagination, and decision-making. Their focus fell primarily on the neurons’ dendritic spines: tiny mushroom-like protrusions of membrane that act as neuronal connections by receiving signals and passing them on as electrical impulses.
To track these miniscule anatomical structures using a microscope, the researchers used genetically modified mice whose frontal cortex neurons (spines included) produced a glowing green fluorescent protein known as GFP. All mice began with receiving two microscopy sessions during which the researchers quantified baseline densities of dendritic spines in a tiny section of their frontal cortex. The animals were then randomly allocated to receive either a single dose of psilocybin or a control saline injection, after which the researchers quantified their spine densities on five more occasions (days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 34), blinded to whether the mice had received the active compound or saline.
Tracking spine densities this way revealed that a single dose of psilocybin reliably induced a significant increase in the formation of new spines, which peaked at a 12 percent increase one week after exposure. A proportion of these new connections persisted 34 days after drug exposure. Interestingly, the effect was more pronounced in female animals, although whether this has any therapeutic implications remains to be seen.
This study provides anatomical evidence that psilocybin is capable of stimulating new and lasting connections in the brain – an occurrence that may contribute to the drug’s ability to change mental state both in the short and longer terms. As recent studies report that psychedelic compounds promote mTOR signaling and protein synthesis to stimulate and support the production of new cellular machinery (e.g., dendritic spines), scientists are on the cusp of understanding the biological mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these compounds.
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Psilocybin use with therapy is an effective treatment for depression www.hopkinsmedicine.org
Depression affects more than 300 million people globally. Unfortunately, current treatment options are limited in their effectiveness and have side effects that reduce treatment adherence. Emerging research suggests psilocybin may be a safe and effective treatment for depression, with long-lasting results after one to two sessions.
Psilocybin is the psychoactive compound found in hallucinogenic mushrooms of the Psilocybe genus and others. Recent research has greatly expanded the understanding of psychedelic drugs and their effects on mental illness. For example, ketamine, a short-acting anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, is available for use in the United States to treat depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psilocybin may provide similar benefits with a lower risk of chemical addiction, however.
Adults with depression who were not taking antidepressant medication were invited to participate in either immediate psilocybin treatment or be placed on an eight-week waitlist for treatment. Twenty-four participants completed the study treatment of two psilocybin sessions with supportive psychotherapy. The authors used a standardized rating scale called the GRID-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (GRID-HAMD) to measure depression severity.
One week after psilocybin treatment, participants reported a statistically significant decrease in depression symptoms (average GRID-HAMD score = 8.0, mild depression) compared to those on the waitlist (average GRID-HAMD score = 23.8, very severe depression). This effect remained four weeks post-treatment with participants in the immediate treatment group reporting average GRID-HAMD scores of 8.5 compared to 23.5 in the waitlist group. Nearly three-fourths of all participants experienced a 50 percent or greater reduction in depression symptoms by four weeks following psilocybin treatment.
Previous research by these investigators has reported similar results in patients with cancer and depression. The authors suggested these findings demonstrate the ability of psilocybin-assisted therapy to produce large, rapid, and sustained improvement in people who have depression.
Psilocybin expert Dr. Roland Griffiths is the corresponding author for this study. Watch this clip in which he discusses psilocybin use and mental illness.
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A single dose of psilocybin enhanced creative thinking, empathy, and subjective well-being in participants for up to seven days after use. www.tandfonline.com
A new study finds that a single dose of psilocybin enhanced creative thinking, empathy, and subjective well-being in participants for up to seven days after use.
There have been multiple studies that have now found psilocybin appears to have a positive effect on well-being and improve symptoms of depression possibly through its effects on the serotonin receptor. Animal studies have shown that psilocybin increases neurogenesis which is the growth of new neurons in certain brain regions. Interestingly, serotonin is also linked to neurogenesis.
I’m no expert in this field but I did interview the expert on psilocybin, Dr. Roland Griffiths. He has conducted several controlled trials on psilocybin ranging from its effects on depression to addiction. He talks in depth about how this compound can have varying effects based on dose.
If you are interested in learning more about this research check out the episode with Dr. Griffiths.
Episode: https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/roland-griffiths