Neuropharmacological analysis of the anti-addictive and therapeutic effects of psilocybin
SURG Journal – June 01, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A compelling new neuroscience perspective suggests the hallucinogen psilocybin, a potent psychedelic, could "reset" neurological connections, offering a novel mental health intervention. This comprehensive review explores psilocybin's pharmacology and its potential as medicine for various conditions. Preliminary clinical trials show promise for treating addiction, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, hinting at a paradigm shift in psychiatry and psychology. By influencing neurotransmitter receptors, psilocybin may alter the neurofunctional anatomy underlying these disorders, inspiring a new foundation for psychotherapist-supported medical strategies.
Abstract
This review presents a general background of psilocybin pharmacology and discusses its uses in treating various mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. A summary of preliminary clinical trials utilizing psilocybin in each disorder is presented, along with an analysis of the neurobiological mechanisms that could explain the results. The purpose of this review is to collect and analyze neuropharmacological data and form an understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying psilocybin’s long-term positive effects in those suffering from various mental health disorders. Psilocybin may be a crucial tool in altering the neurofunctional anatomy that is the pathological core of various mental health disorders. A ‘reset’ of these neurological connections could be the basis of psilocybin treatment and may perhaps inspire a novel foundation of neurological medical intervention in mental health disorders.