Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences
October 21, 2024
Stefanie Enriquez‐geppert, Jaroslav Krc, Fiachra O'Higgins et al.
5 citations
Executive function deficits, common in psychiatric disorders, may be linked to diminished neural plasticity. A pioneering study tested the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of combining psilocybin with frontal-midline theta neurofeedback (NF) to improve executive functions. Thirty-seven participants were randomized into an experimental group (18) receiving three microdose sessions followed by three psilocybin-assisted NF sessions, and a passive control group (19). NF learning showed a statistical trend for increased frontal-midline theta with a large effect size.
October 11, 2023
Stefanie Enriquez‐geppert, Jaroslav Krc, Fiachra O'Higgins et al.
1 citation
preprint
A pioneering trial combined microdoses of psilocybin with frontal-midline theta neurofeedback to improve executive functions in adults with deficits. Thirty-seven participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (18 people) receiving three microdose sessions followed by three psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback sessions, or a passive control group (19 people). The approach proved feasible without psychological support. Neurofeedback learning showed a statistical trend with large effect size for increases in frontal-midline theta across sessions. No task-based improvements in executive functions emerged, but the experimental group reported significant gains in daily executive functions—working memory, shifting, monitoring, and inhibition—with medium to large effect sizes, and meaningful progress on self-selected training goals. The authors call for a larger study with an active control group to confirm specificity and lasting benefits.
Biomolecules
July 3, 2026
Stefanie Enriquez‐geppert, Lisa Bevers, Arvid Rosander et al.
A review of naturally derived psilocybin finds perceived therapeutic benefits for mental health, but evidence of causal efficacy is mixed. Safety profiles are favorable yet context-dependent, with risks for vulnerable populations. Preliminary preclinical evidence suggests possible entourage effects, but human validation is lacking. Dose precision varies: purified psilocybin is most reliable, followed by standardized extracts, then alcoholic, aqueous, and whole biomass preparations. Scalable cultivation is feasible but faces sustainability challenges. Key gaps include a lack of controlled trials, longitudinal safety evaluations, and standardization. The review proposes a phased research roadmap for short-term safety studies, mid-term mechanistic and standardization efforts, and long-term integration into therapeutic, cultural, and ecological systems.