BROAD SPECTRUM OF THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF PSILOCYBIN: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Health Problems of Civilization February 20, 2025 Julia Wójcik, Kacper Wojciech Pamuła, Marcin Cholewa et al.
Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in Psilocybe mushrooms, has gained attention for its effects on neuroplasticity and serotonin activity, creating new connections between brain regions. This review evaluates psilocybin's potential for treating mental illnesses, drawing on PubMed and Google Scholar databases with emphasis on post-2021 articles. Psilocybin is considered an alternative therapeutic option; some studies suggest that a single dose or several small doses combined with psychedelic-associated psychotherapy (PAP) can yield rapid benefits lasting months. It shows promise for patients unresponsive to standard treatments, with efficacy noted for depression, anxiety, addictions, PTSD, OCD, and anorexia. Psilocybin has the best safety profile among psychedelics, with no life-threatening adverse effects and few contraindications, though it may occasionally reveal psychotic disorders. More research is needed to establish a standard treatment protocol.