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The effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior: a proposed mechanism for enduring antidepressant effects

Summary

This review examines how psilocybin may help treat depression by increasing empathy and prosocial behavior. While psilocybin leaves the body within hours, its antidepressant effects can last months, and researchers believe empathy and helping others may explain this lasting benefit. The authors suggest psilocybin starts a positive cycle where increased empathy leads to helping others, which boosts mood and well-being, which further reinforces empathetic behavior.

Background

Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic showing promise for treating depression with enduring therapeutic effects that persist well beyond the drug’s 3-hour half-life. The mechanisms underlying these long-lasting antidepressant effects remain poorly understood. Empathy and prosocial behavior may be important factors in understanding psilocybin’s therapeutic benefits.

Objective

To review the literature on psilocybin’s effects on empathy and prosocial behavior and propose a mechanism for enduring antidepressant effects. The authors hypothesize that psilocybin catalyzes a positive feedback loop involving empathy, prosocial behavior, and positive affect that sustains therapeutic benefits.

Results

Research suggests psilocybin increases emotional empathy acutely and may sustain these effects for extended periods. Studies show associations between psychedelic use and reduced recidivism, reduced intimate partner violence, and pro-environmental behaviors. However, findings are mixed regarding direct effects on moral decision-making and altruistic punishment.

Conclusion

While research is limited, evidence supports further exploration of empathy and prosocial behavior as mechanisms underlying psilocybin’s enduring antidepressant effects. The authors propose psilocybin induces a self-propagating feedback loop involving empathy, prosocial behavior, and positive affect that may explain sustained therapeutic benefits from a single dose.
  • Published in:NPJ Mental Health Research,
  • Study Type:Literature Review,
  • Source: PMID: 38609500, DOI: 10.1038/s44184-023-00053-8
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