People struggling with terminal illnesses frequently experience intense emotional distress. Feelings of depression, anxiety, existential dread, and a lack of purpose compound the challenge of managing their condition.
While traditional treatments such as counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can provide relief, they may not be effective for everyone. This has prompted researchers to investigate novel, alternative approaches to end-of-life care.
A growing body of research suggests that psychedelic therapy may offer a potential solution for easing existential distress among patients with incurable diseases. A review published in Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry indicates that psychedelics may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve quality of life, and lessen fears associated with death among patients with life-threatening conditions.
To further examine the potential of psilocybin mushrooms, Canadians frequently buy shrooms online for research purposes.
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Psychedelic Impact on the Brain
The National Institutes of Health refers to psychedelics derived from mushrooms as potent substances that can alter cognition. They affect mood and perception by interacting with the brain’s serotonin circuits.
Let’s delve into what various studies have discovered:
| Researchers | Findings |
| Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas | Psychedelics such as psilocybin interact with serotonin 2A receptors, which regulate emotions and perception. |
| Research from Mental Health News | Psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic compound found in over 200 species of fungi, may restructure the brains of those with depression, potentially offering a cure. |
| Researchers from UC San Francisco and Imperial College London | Psilocybin enhances connections between different brain regions in depressed individuals, possibly aiding them in overcoming excessive introspection and rumination. |
| A randomized, double-blind study by John Hopkins University | High doses of psilocybin significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and fear of death, while improving quality of life, sense of life’s meaning, and optimism. |
| Clinical study from New York University | Between 60% and 80% of participants reported reduced anxiety |
| Psilocybin therapy has shown promising results in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, thereby alleviating existential distress. The study also noted that the healing effects were intrinsically tied to the psychedelic experiences triggered by psilocybin. |
Investigative Study
The researchers of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences conducted 2 studies involving 60 participants who underwent fMRI brain scans.
Methodology
- First Study. The participants, all suffering from treatment-resistant depression, were given a dose of psilocybin.
- Second Study. Participants with less severe depression were kept in the dark about whether they received psilocybin or an antidepressant placebo (escitalopram). All participants received the same psychotherapy.
Pre- and post-treatment scans were taken to assess the effects.
Results
- Psilocybin treatment weakened connections within brain areas linked to depression, including the default mode, salience, and executive networks, while strengthening connections to less integrated brain regions.
- It reduced emotional avoidance effects and showed considerable improvements in cognitive functioning.
The effects of psilocybin on brain rewiring persisted for up to three weeks after the second dose. Thus, psilocybin could potentially be an alternative treatment for depression by reshaping the brain and reducing long-standing negative thought patterns associated with the disease. This discovery suggests that psilocybin operates differently from conventional antidepressants.
Psilocybin Therapy – A Potential Therapeutic Approach
Psilocybin therapy refers to the regulated administration of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting, often accompanied by psychological support. This approach is gaining recognition for its potential to treat treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with terminal diseases.
According to a recent survey conducted by researchers from Université Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy, McGill University, Université de Montréal, and UQAR, the aim was to gauge public opinion on the medicinal use of psilocybin for end-of-life care. As per the findings published in Palliative Medicine, nearly 4 One in five Canadians supports the use of psilocybin for easing existential distress at the end of life.
Michel Dorval, the head researcher, noted that studies have shown that when used alongside psychotherapy, psilocybin can provide fast, potent, and long-lasting relief for individuals grappling with advanced cancer. It’s worth highlighting that psilocybin therapy can evoke a deep sense of understanding and comfort, which can persist for as long as six months.
The survey also suggests that those with experience in palliative care or prior usage of psilocybin expressed more support. Dorval highlights that personal experiences with end-of-life distress might contribute to this openness towards innovative approaches.
Despite prevailing prejudices towards psychedelic drugs, the research points to a growing acceptance of psilocybin therapy in Canada, particularly in contexts of palliative and end-of-life care. The authors predict that these findings will help to increase the availability of this groundbreaking treatment.
Further Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
1. Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
In a double-blind, randomized trial with 93 participants, published 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 placebo group. The group that received psilocybin also consumed less alcohol on the days they did drink.
2. Aid in Smoking Cessation
Although quitting smoking is notoriously difficult, a small preliminary study by Johns Hopkins University researchers, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in January 2017, suggested that psilocybin, in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), enabled 10 out of 15 participants to stay smoke-free for a year. A subsequent study implied that the psychedelic experience might help reshape a smoker’s sense of self, thus encouraging long-term abstinence.
3. Therapy for Anorexia
Rising research indicates that psilocybin can be helpful for individuals battling anorexia. A preliminary study published in Biological Psychiatry in May 2022 reported significant reductions in symptoms of eating disorders and anxiety in adults with anorexia who underwent psilocybin-facilitated psychotherapy.
4. Alleviating End-of-Life Anxiety
Individuals diagnosed with terminal diseases frequently grapple with anxiety and depression. A growing body of evidence suggests that psilocybin therapy can help lessen these symptoms. Studies have shown that patients diagnosed with serious, life-threatening forms of cancer who underwent psilocybin therapy saw substantial reductions in their levels of depression and anxiety.
What to Expect from Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy has the potential to deliver profound healing effects swiftly, possibly leading to long-term benefits. Each session is customized to meet individual requirements and adheres to specific clinic or trial protocols.
| Stage | Details | Length |
| Before | The initial sessions are dedicated to discussing any apprehensions and treatment goals with a facilitator, with the purpose of establishing a strong bond and a safe environment. | 1 to 6 hours |
| During | The participant ingests a dose of psilocybin in a relaxed setting, reclining, wearing an eye mask, listening to a chosen playlist, and accompanied by a therapist. | 5 to 8 hours |
| After | Follow-up sessions offer an opportunity to discuss the experience with the therapist, aiding in integrating the insights into everyday life. | Several sessions over hours |
Recommendations for Undergoing Psilocybin Therapy
- Research 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 approaches, and proficiency in managing mental health disorders.
- Be open about your actual motives for seeking treatment, mental health issues, medical history, and family’s mental health background.
- Consider therapists with specialization in your particular mental health disorder and seek advice and training from associations like the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA).
- Provide a detailed account of your medical and mental health history, especially if there’s a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- Discuss your choice to opt for psilocybin therapy with your current mental health provider and check if they are open to collaborating with your psilocybin therapy team.
- Discuss the dosage, protocol, and the need to start For safety reasons, it is recommended to start with lower psilocybin doses, especially if you’re new to psilocybin therapy and under the guidance of a therapist.
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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 coping with a terminal disease, you might want to consider psilocybin therapy.
Conversely, if you have a history of schizophrenia or psychosis, or these conditions run in your family, hallucinogens like psilocybin could exacerbate your symptoms. Similarly, people with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are usually 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 adjusting according to individual responses. Clinical studies have shown that a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin, alongside psychological support, led to a decrease in depression scores in those resistant to other treatments.
Is psilocybin effective in treating PTSD?
This is a quickly progressing area of research. Presently, studies on MDMA, a non-traditional psychedelic with stimulant characteristics used together with psychotherapy for PTSD treatment, are more developed. Clinical trials for this psychedelic have reached phase 3, and it is expected that MDMA could be approved for PTSD treatment this year.
