Psilocybin-assisted treatment of depression

Psilocybin, an alkaloid from psilocybe mushrooms, shows rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression after a single dose, sustained for up to 12 weeks. The intensity of the psychedelic experience correlates with the strength of antidepressant action. Compared to escitalopram, psilocybin acts more quickly and has longer-lasting effects, suggesting its potential as an alternative to classic antidepressants. Adverse events are mild. These findings offer a promising perspective for patients who have not responded to standard antidepressant treatment.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Depression, a common mental disorder, affects people at different stages of life.Classic antidepressant treatment is generally effective, however, it is prolonged.Nonetheless, numerous patients who undergo various classic antidepressant therapies still suffer from depression.Therefore, the search for novel medications is essential.In this review, we explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, an alkaloid found in several species of psilocybe mushrooms.Psilocybin mainly acts agonistically through serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine type 2A (5-HT2A) receptors.However, the exact mechanism of the proposed antidepressant impact remains unknown.In the reviewed materials, psilocybin demonstrated rapid and longlasting antidepressant activity in treatment-resistant depression -the therapeutic effect occurred after only a single dose and was sustained for up to 12 weeks.The intensity of psychedelic experience correlated with the strength of the antidepressant action.In comparison to escitalopram, psilocybin acted more quickly and had longer-lasting effects, suggesting its potential as an alternative to classic antidepressants.The adverse events of psilocybin were mild.The findings presented in our work offer a promising perspective for patients who have previously not responded to standard antidepressant treatment.