Psilocybin, a Naturally Occurring Indoleamine Compound, Could Be Useful to Prevent Suicidal Behaviors
Pharmaceuticals November 24, 2021 Robertas Strumila, Bénédicte Nobile, Laura Korsakova et al. 35 citations
Current interventions for people at risk of suicide have limited efficacy. This review examines whether psilocybin, a psychedelic compound with a long history of human use, could modulate thoughts and behavioral patterns in individuals at risk of suicidal behaviors. The authors summarize evidence that psilocybin directly stimulates the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2A), targeting inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, which may lead to rapid increases in brain plasticity, cognitive flexibility, spirituality, and empathy, while suppressing inflammation. Preliminary epidemiological data are presented, and the review calls for clinical studies to test psilocybin in individuals with suicidal ideation or at risk of suicidal behaviors.