Those grappling with terminal diseases frequently encounter significant emotional hardships, such as depression, anxiety, existential crises, and a lack of purpose, adding to the complexity of their circumstances.
Although traditional treatments such as counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can provide some relief, they are not universally effective. This has prompted researchers to investigate alternative, cutting-edge strategies for end-of-life care.
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that psychedelic therapy may provide a viable solution for alleviating existential distress in patients with untreatable illnesses. A review in Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry indicates that psychedelics may alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce fear associated with death in patients facing life-threatening conditions.
In an effort to further examine the effectiveness of psilocybin mushrooms, many Canadians buy shrooms online for research purposes.
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How Psilocybin Affects the Brain
The National Institutes of Health defines psychedelics derived from mushrooms as powerful substances that can alter cognition. They affect mood and perception by interacting with the brain’s serotonin pathways.
Let’s delve into what various studies have uncovered:
| Investigators | Conclusions |
| Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas | Psychedelics such as psilocybin target serotonin 2A receptors that regulate emotions and perception. |
| Research from Mental Health News | Psilocybin, a naturally-occurring hallucinogenic compound present in over 200 species of fungi, might restructure the brains of depressed individuals, potentially paving the way for a cure. |
| Research teams from UC San Francisco and Imperial College London | Psilocybin enhances the connections between various brain regions in individuals with depression, potentially helping them overcome excessive introspection and brooding. |
| A randomized, double-blind study by John Hopkins University | High doses of psilocybin significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and fear of death, while improving life quality, sense of life’s purpose, and optimism. |
| Clinical trial from New York University | Between 60% and 80% of participants reported reduced anxiety and depression post-psilocybin therapy, resulting in significant progress in existential distress. The study simultaneously noted that the therapeutic benefits were correlated with the psychedelic experience elicited by psilocybin. |
Clinical Investigation
Researchers from the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences implemented 2 studies involving 60 participants, who underwent fMRI brain scans to further validate this.
Methodology
- First Study. All participants were battling treatment-resistant depression and received psilocybin.
- Second Study. Participants with milder depression were kept unaware of whether they received psilocybin or an antidepressant placebo (escitalopram). All participants also participated in identical psychotherapy.
Scans were conducted before and after the treatment to assess the effects.
Results
- Psilocybin treatment reduced connections within brain regions linked with depression, including the default mode, salience, and executive networks. Simultaneously, it enhanced connections to lesser integrated brain areas.
- It lowered the effects of emotional avoidance and resulted in significant improvements in cognitive functioning.
The influence of psilocybin on brain rewiring continued for up to three weeks following the second dose. As a result, psilocybin offers a potential alternative solution for depression by reconfiguring the brain and reducing chronic negative thought patterns associated with the disorder. This discovery 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, typically combined with psychological guidance. This approach is increasingly being recognized for its potential to manage treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with terminal diseases.
Recently, a survey executed by researchers from Université Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy, McGill University, Université de Montréal, and UQAR aimed to ascertain 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 advocates for psilocybin usage as a potential means to soothe existential distress during end-of-life situations.
Michel Dorval, the lead investigator, noted that research has proven psilocybin, when used together with psychotherapy, can provide rapid, substantial, and long-lasting relief for individuals grappling with advanced cancer. It’s notable that psilocybin-assisted therapy can foster a deep sense of understanding and relief, enduring up to six months.
In addition, the survey indicates that increased support for psilocybin comes from those involved in palliative care or those who have previously used psilocybin. Dorval suggests that personal encounters with end-of-life distress might contribute to a greater receptivity towards such innovative treatments.
Despite prevailing prejudices towards psychedelic drugs, the research signifies a growing acknowledgment of psilocybin therapy in Canada, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care contexts. The authors expect that this study’s insights will broaden the reach of this groundbreaking therapy.
Additional Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
1. Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial, including 93 participants and published in JAMA Psychiatry in August 2022, revealed that the combination of psilocybin and psychotherapy resulted in a significant reduction in heavy drinking days over approximately eight months compared to a placebo group. Moreover, the psilocybin group drank less alcohol on the days they did consume alcohol.
2. Aid in Smoking Cessation
Despite the difficulty of quitting smoking, a preliminary study carried out by Johns Hopkins University researchers, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in January 2017, suggested that psilocybin, used in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helped 10 out of 15 participants stay smoke-free for a year. A subsequent study indicated that the psychedelic experience might help reshape a smoker’s self-perception, thereby encouraging long-term abstinence.
3. Potential Treatment for Anorexia
Recent research suggests that psilocybin may be helpful for those struggling with anorexia. A preliminary study published in Biological Psychiatry in May 2022 reported notable symptom reduction in adults with anorexia who underwent psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, including decreased eating disorder symptoms and anxiety.
4. Alleviating End-of-Life Anxiety
Living
Terminal illnesses often induce feelings of anxiety and depression in many patients. Psilocybin therapy, backed by promising evidence, can help mitigate these symptoms. Studies have demonstrated substantial decreases in depression and anxiety among patients diagnosed with life-threatening cancers who have undergone psilocybin therapy.
What to Expect from Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy can be transformative.
Our therapy is designed to produce powerful healing effects quickly, potentially yielding enduring benefits. Each session is customized to the individual’s needs, adhering to specific guidelines set by the clinic or trial.
| Phase | Description | Duration |
| Preparation | The initial sessions are focused on discussing any apprehensions and treatment goals with a facilitator, aiming to foster a solid relationship and create a secure environment. | 1 to 6 hours |
| During | The participant ingests a dose of psilocybin in a relaxed setting, lying down, wearing an eye mask, listening to a chosen playlist, and under the supervision of a therapist. | 5 to 8 hours |
| Follow-up | Subsequent sessions offer an opportunity to interpret the experience with the therapist, facilitating the integration of insights into daily life. | Multiple sessions over a few hours |
Tips for Navigating Psilocybin Therapy
- Research clinics where psilocybin is legal and consider joining a waiting list if necessary.
- Choose a clinic that provides psilocybin treatment under the supervision of a therapist or professional guide for a more therapeutic experience.
- Interview potential therapists about their qualifications, experience, therapy styles, and proficiency in mental health conditions.
- Be open about your actual motivations for seeking treatment, mental health issues, medical history, and family mental health background.
- Consider therapists who specialize in your particular mental health condition and seek advice and training from organizations like the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA).
- Provide a thorough disclosure of your medical and mental health history, especially if there’s a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- Discuss your decision to undertake psilocybin therapy with your current mental health provider and inquire if they are willing to collaborate with your psilocybin therapy team.
- Discuss the dosage, protocol, and the necessity to start Start with lower doses for safety under the supervision of your psilocybin therapist, particularly if you are new to psilocybin therapy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is suitable for psilocybin therapy?
If you are dealing with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, trying to quit smoking, or handling a terminal disease, you might want to consider psilocybin therapy.
However, if you have a history of schizophrenia or psychosis, or these conditions are common in your family, hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin might exacerbate your symptoms. Similarly, individuals with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are typically discouraged from use.
What is the usual dosage of psilocybin in therapy?
The dosage usually varies, often starting with lower doses in a therapeutic context and adjusting based on individual responses. Clinical research suggests that a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin, along with psychological support, led to a reduction in depression scores in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Can psilocybin be used to treat PTSD?
This field of study is rapidly progressing. However, research on MDMA, a non-traditional psychedelic with stimulant properties used in combination with psychotherapy for PTSD treatment, is more developed. Trials of this psychedelic have advanced to phase 3 clinical trials, and it is expected that MDMA may be approved for PTSD treatment this year.
