Evaluating the potential for psilocybin as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics January 1, 2025 Claire E Miller, Phillip R Zoladz 10 citations
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition with symptoms including intrusive memories, avoidance, anxiety, and altered physiology. Current treatments are often insufficient, with nonresponse rates exceeding 50%. Psilocybin, a psychedelic from Psilocybe mushrooms, has shown antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in preclinical and clinical studies. This review summarizes evidence for psilocybin's behavioral effects and links them to potential efficacy in treating PTSD symptoms. It explores proposed mechanisms, benefits, drawbacks, and challenges for future research, aiming to highlight this promising area for novel PTSD therapies.