Catalyst for change: Psilocybin’s antidepressant mechanisms—A systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology January 20, 2025 Joshua Liebnau, Felix Betzler, André Kerber 10 citations
Psilocybin, given in a supportive setting, may relieve depression by promoting openness, cognitive and neural flexibility, and greater acceptance of emotional experiences. A renewed sense of connectedness to self, others, and the world emerged as a key experience. Imaging studies consistently found altered brain dynamics, including reduced connectivity within and across the default mode network and increased connectivity between networks. These changes may create a vulnerable window for change, highlighting the need for a supportive environment and therapeutic guidance. The antidepressant effects appear to arise from an interplay between neurobiological mechanisms and common psychotherapeutic factors, rather than from pharmacology alone.