CNS Spectrums
July 11, 2022
Seetal Dodd, Trevor R. Norman, Harris A. Eyre et al.
61 citations
Psilocybin, a tryptamine alkaloid found in Psilocybe mushrooms, is metabolized into the active compound psilocin, which produces psychoactive effects primarily by partially activating the 5HT2A receptor. Psilocin also binds to other receptor subtypes, though these actions are not fully understood. Clinical trials have tested psilocybin at hallucinogenic doses for addictive disorders, anxiety, and depression. This review assesses psilocybin and psilocin as potential neuropsychiatric treatments, weighing therapeutic benefits against potential harms. The authors conclude that careful evaluation of the number needed to harm versus the number needed to treat will determine clinical viability, and they call for a responsible path forward in this field.
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
February 8, 2017
Alexander Bryson, Olivia Carter, Trevor R. Norman et al.
19 citations
Functional neurological disorders are common, have poor outcomes, and few treatments exist. Their cause is unknown, but leading theories suggest a disturbance in how the mind represents the body, with abnormal top-down cognitive influences on sensorimotor function despite intact neural pathways. Recent studies indicate that 5-HT2A agonists, such as psychedelics, alter brain activity in ways that disrupt hierarchical dynamics and modulate networks involved in self-processing. Converging evidence suggests these agents may hold unique therapeutic potential for these disorders. Given the personal and societal burden, the authors argue a clinical trial to test this hypothesis is warranted.
Exploration of neuroscience
August 7, 2025
Trevor R. Norman
2 citations
A single dose of psilocybin, given alongside intensive psychotherapy, produces a rapid and clinically significant decline in depressive symptoms in people with treatment resistant depression, with benefits mostly retained at 12 weeks or longer. Psilocybin was well tolerated; side effects were mostly mild to moderate and transient, including elevated blood pressure, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vertigo. Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder was occasionally reported, and there were few reports of suicidal ideation and behavior. Further controlled evaluations are necessary before routine use.