Psilocybin history, action and reaction : A narrative clinical review

Hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used in religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries. Of late, psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms, has received increased public interest as a novel drug for treating mood and substance use disorders (SUDs). In addition, in recent years, some states in the United States have legalized psilocybin for medical and recreational use. Given this, clinicians need to understand the potential benefits and risks related to using psilocybin for therapeutic purposes so that they can accurately advise patients. This expert narrative review summarizes the scientific basis and clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treating psychiatric disorders and SUDs. The results of this review are structured as a more extensive discussion about psilocybin's history, putative mechanisms of action, and recent legislative changes to its legal status. There is modest evidence of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treating depression and anxiety disorders. In addition, early data suggest that psilocybin-assisted therapy may effectively reduce harmful drinking in patients with alcohol use disorders. The evidence further suggests psilocybin, when administered under supervision (psilocybin-assisted therapy), the side effects experienced are mild and transient. The occurrence of severe adverse events following psilocybin administration is uncommon. Still, a recent clinical trial found that individuals in the psilocybin arm had increased suicidal ideations and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. Given this, further investigation into the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy is warranted to determine which patient subgroups are most likely to benefit and which are most likely to experience adverse outcomes related to its use.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2023

Erschienen:

2023

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:37

Enthalten in:

Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) - 37(2023), 9 vom: 01. Sept., Seite 849-865

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Sharma, Pravesh [VerfasserIn]
Nguyen, Quang Anh [VerfasserIn]
Matthews, Sadie J [VerfasserIn]
Carpenter, Erin [VerfasserIn]
Mathews, Douglas B [VerfasserIn]
Patten, Christi A [VerfasserIn]
Hammond, Christopher J [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

2RV7212BP0
Clinical review
Hallucinogens
Journal Article
Mental health
Mushroom
Psilocybin
Psychopharmacology
Review

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 06.09.2023

Date Revised 06.09.2023

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1177/02698811231190858

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM361483430