Psilocybin in neuropsychiatry: a review of its pharmacology, safety, and efficacy
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.