The effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior: a proposed mechanism for enduring antidepressant effects.
Npj mental health research – February 20, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psilocybin's ability to boost empathy and social connection may explain its lasting effects on depression. The compound appears to create a positive cycle: increased empathy leads to more meaningful social interactions, which further enhances emotional well-being. This natural feedback loop could explain why a single dose can have benefits lasting months, working differently from traditional daily antidepressants.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic shown to have enduring antidepressant effects. Currently, the mechanism for its enduring effects is not well understood. Empathy and prosocial behavior may be important for understanding the therapeutic benefit of psilocybin. In this article we review the effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior. Moreover, we propose that psilocybin may induce a positive feedback loop involving empathy and prosocial behavior which helps explain the observed, enduring antidepressant effects.