A potential role for psilocybin in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Psilocybin may be useful for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), not just mood disorders and addiction. This review outlines how psilocybin acts on brain function in ways that could reduce OCD symptoms. Current evidence is limited, but multiple signals point in directions consistent with treatment potential. The psychological and physiological safety of clinically administered psilocybin supports expanded research, including animal models and randomized controlled trials, to properly investigate this potential.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract The recent revivification of interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelics has had a particular focus on mood disorders and addiction, although there is reason to think these drugs may be effective more widely. After outlining pertinent aspects of psilocybin and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the current review summarizes the evidence indicating that there may be a role for psilocybin in the treatment of OCD, as well as highlighting a range of potential therapeutic mechanisms that reflect the action of psilocybin on brain function. Although the current evidence is limited, that multiple signals point in directions consistent with treatment potential, alongside the psychological and physiological safety of clinically administered psilocybin, support the expansion of research, both in animal models and in further randomized controlled trials, to properly investigate this potential.