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The psychedelic renaissance: the next trip for psychiatry?
J R Kelly1,2, A Baker3, M Babiker2
1Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin & Tallaght Hospital, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine
|September 24, 2019
Summary
Psilocybin, a compound from psychedelic mushrooms, shows promise in treating depression. Clinical trials are investigating its effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with psychological support.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psychedelic research is experiencing a resurgence.
- Preliminary studies suggest psilocybin with psychological support improves mood, anxiety, and quality of life.
- An open-label study showed significant reductions in depression symptoms for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Discussion:
- Neurobiological mechanisms include altered brain connectivity, amygdala, and default mode network activity.
- Cellular effects involve promoting synaptogenesis and neural plasticity.
Key Insights:
- Psilocybin demonstrates potential for treating mood disorders.
- Neurobiological changes underpin psilocybin's therapeutic effects.
Outlook:
- A randomized, double-blind trial is underway in Europe and North America to confirm psilocybin's efficacy in TRD.
- This research, including a center in Ireland, aims to determine clinical translation for psilocybin-assisted therapy.
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