Those grappling with terminal illnesses often endure significant emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, existential crisis, and a loss of purpose, which can further complicate their already challenging circumstances.
Although existing interventions such as counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can offer relief, they may not be effective for everyone. As a result, researchers have begun to investigate novel, alternative methods for end-of-life care.
There is a growing body of research suggesting that psychedelic therapy might offer a potential answer for easing existential anguish in patients with incurable diseases. A study published in Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry posits that psychedelics could reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, improve the quality of life, and alleviate fears related to death in patients with life-threatening illnesses.
To delve deeper into the efficacy of psilocybin mushrooms, Canadians frequently buy shrooms online for research purposes.
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The Impact of Psilocybin on the Brain
The National Institutes of Health characterizes psychedelics from shrooms as powerful substances that can alter cognition. They affect mood and perception by interacting with the brain’s serotonin pathways.
Let’s take a look at what various studies have to say:
| Researchers | Findings |
| Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas | Psychedelics such as psilocybin interact with serotonin 2A receptors that regulate emotions and perception. |
| A study from Mental Health News | Psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic compound found in over 200 species of fungi, might rewire the brains of individuals living with depression, potentially paving the way for a cure. |
| Researchers from UC San Francisco and Imperial College London | Psilocybin fosters connections between distinct brain regions in individuals with depression, potentially enabling them to overcome excessive self-focus and rumination. |
| A randomized, double-blind trial by John Hopkins University | High doses of psilocybin significantly decreased depression, anxiety, and death anxiety, while improving life quality, sense of life’s meaning, and optimism. |
| Clinical trial from New York University | Between 60% and 80% of participants reported reduced anxiety and depression after undergoing psilocybin therapy, which in turn resulted in the reduction of existential distress. It was also noted that these therapeutic effects were directly associated with the psychedelic experience elicited by psilocybin. |
Investigative Study
To lend credibility to this, researchers from the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences conducted 2 studies involving 60 participants who underwent fMRI brain scans.
Methodology
- First Study. The participants, all of whom were battling treatment-resistant depression, were given psilocybin.
- Second Study. Participants with less severe depression were unaware if they were administered psilocybin or an antidepressant placebo (escitalopram). Every participant also participated in the same psychotherapy.
Scans were performed before and after the treatment to assess the results.
Results
- Psilocybin treatment reduced the interconnections between brain areas linked with depression, including the default mode, salience, and executive networks, and increased connections to less integrated brain regions.
- It decreased the effects of emotional avoidance and resulted in significant improvements in cognitive functioning.
The brain rewiring effect of psilocybin was observed to last for up to three weeks post the second dosage. Psilocybin thus emerges as a potential alternative treatment for depression by restructuring the brain and reducing negative thought patterns associated with the condition. This suggests that psilocybin works differently from conventional antidepressants.
Psilocybin Therapy – A Potential Cure
Regulated usage of psilocybin within a therapeutic environment, commonly known as Psilocybin therapy, is gaining recognition for its potential to treat conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with terminal diseases.
A recent survey conducted by researchers from Université Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy, McGill University, Université de Montréal, and UQAR aimed to gauge public opinion on the medical use of psilocybin for end-of-life care. According to the survey results published in Palliative Medicine, nearly 4
One in every five Canadians supports the use of psilocybin to mitigate the existential distress associated with end-of-life situations.
Michel Dorval, the lead researcher, noted that studies show psilocybin, when combined with psychotherapy, can provide quick, strong, and lasting comfort for those dealing with advanced cancer. He highlighted that therapy with psilocybin can trigger a deep sense of comprehension and relief that may persist for up to six months.
The survey further indicates that people who have experience with palliative care or have previously used psilocybin displayed more support. Dorval suggested that personal encounters with end-of-life distress could contribute to this receptiveness towards alternative approaches.
Despite prevailing biases against psychedelic drugs, the study reveals a growing acceptance of psilocybin therapy in Canada, particularly in the context of palliative care and end-of-life situations. The authors hope that these results will improve the accessibility of this innovative treatment.
Further Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
1. Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
In a double-blind, randomized study of 93 participants, published in JAMA Psychiatry in August 2022, it was found that integrating psilocybin with psychotherapy led to a considerable reduction in heavy drinking days over approximately eight months, compared to a placebo group. Participants who received psilocybin also drank less alcohol on the days they did drink.
2. Aid in Smoking Cessation
Although quitting smoking is notoriously difficult, a small pilot study by Johns Hopkins University researchers, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in January 2017, suggested that psilocybin, in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), enabled 10 out of 15 participants to avoid smoking for a year. A subsequent study implied that the psychedelic experience could help reshape a smoker’s identity, thereby encouraging long-term abstinence.
3. Remedy for Anorexia
Initial research indicates that psilocybin may be advantageous for those struggling with anorexia. A preliminary report published in Biological Psychiatry in May 2022 revealed notable reductions in symptoms of eating disorders and anxiety among adults with anorexia who underwent psilocybin-supported psychotherapy.
4. Relieving End-of-Life Anxiety
Living with Terminal Illness
It is not uncommon for patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses to experience feelings of anxiety and depression. A growing body of evidence suggests that psilocybin therapy may help mitigate these symptoms. Studies have demonstrated significant reductions in depression and anxiety levels in patients with life-threatening cancer diagnoses who have undergone psilocybin therapy.
What to Expect from Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy offers the possibility of rapid, profound healing, potentially leading to lasting benefits. Each session is uniquely designed to meet individual needs and adheres to specified clinic or trial protocols.
| Phase | Description | Duration |
| Prior | Initial sessions are centered around discussing any apprehensions and treatment goals with a facilitator to foster a strong bond and create a safe environment. | 1 to 6 hours |
| During | The participant ingests a dose of psilocybin in a relaxed setting, lying down, with an eye mask on, listening to a chosen playlist, and in the company of a therapist. | 5 to 8 hours |
| Subsequent | Follow-up sessions offer an opportunity to discuss the experience with the therapist, thereby assisting the participant in integrating the insights into their daily life. | Several sessions spread over hours |
Tips for Pursuing Psilocybin Therapy
- Seek out clinics where psilocybin is legal and consider joining a waiting list if necessary.
- Choose a clinic that administers psilocybin treatment under the supervision of a therapist or a professional guide for a more beneficial experience.
- Interview potential therapists, inquiring about their credentials, experience, therapeutic approach, and proficiency in handling mental health conditions.
- Be open about your true motivations for seeking treatment, mental health challenges, medical history, and family mental health background.
- Consider therapists who specialize in your specific mental health condition and consult organizations such as the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA) for guidance and training.
- Provide a thorough account of your medical and mental health history, especially if there’s a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- Discuss your decision to proceed with psilocybin therapy with your current mental health provider and inquire if they are willing to collaborate with your psilocybin therapy team.
- Discuss the dosage, protocol, and the need to initiate the therapy with the professionals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is an ideal candidate for psilocybin therapy?
If you’re dealing with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, trying to quit smoking, or facing a life-threatening disease, psilocybin therapy could be worth considering.
However, if you’ve a past record of schizophrenia or psychosis, or if these conditions run in your family, hallucinatory substances like psilocybin might exacerbate your condition. Similarly, those with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are usually advised to avoid it.
What is the usual dosage of psilocybin for therapy?
The dosage generally fluctuates, starting with smaller doses in a therapeutic environment and adjusting according to individual responses. Clinical trials have shown that a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin, administered with psychological support, led to a reduction in depression scores in those suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
Can psilocybin be utilized to treat PTSD?
This is a rapidly developing area of research. However, studies on MDMA, an atypical psychedelic with stimulant attributes used alongside psychotherapy for PTSD treatment, are more advanced. This psychedelic has entered phase 3 of clinical trials, and there is a possibility that MDMA could be approved for PTSD treatment this year.
