Psilocybin and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious psychiatric condition that often does not respond to standard treatments. Serotonin is thought to be involved in reducing OCD symptoms. A case is presented of a person who used psilocybin, a substance that affects serotonin, to successfully reduce core OCD symptoms for several years. The authors do not endorse this form of treatment but argue that the positive outcome highlights the role of serotonin in OCD and supports the need for legitimate research into psilocybin for anxiety disorders.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder with considerable morbidity and mortality. This condition disables many individuals and is often refractory to treatment. Research suggests that serotonin plays a role in OCD symptom reduction. We present a case of an individual who successfully used psilocybin, a serotonergic agent, to reduce the core symptoms of OCD for several years. Although not endorsing this form of treatment, we feel that the successful use of this agent highlights the role of serotonergic factors in OCD and the need for further, legitimate research into the value of psilocybin in the treatment of anxiety disorders.