Anti-Therapeutic Action: psychotic symptoms

A sense of the bigger picture: A qualitative analysis of follow-up interviews with people with bipolar disorder who self-reported psilocybin use

This research explored how 15 people with bipolar disorder who used psilocybin mushrooms experienced the effects. Many reported benefits like reduced depression and improved outlook on life, but some experienced negative effects including sleep problems and increased manic episodes. The study identified important factors that influenced outcomes, such as whether people used other drugs simultaneously, whether they used psilocybin alone or with others, and how much sleep they had before use. The researchers concluded that while psilocybin shows promise for bipolar depression, more careful clinical research is needed to ensure safety.

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How to account for hallucinations in the interpretation of the antidepressant effects of psychedelics: a translational framework

Psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin show promise in treating depression with effects lasting months after single doses. However, scientists debate whether the hallucinations and mystical experiences these drugs produce are necessary for their healing effects. This review proposes a framework to test whether lower doses without hallucinations might still provide antidepressant benefits, similar to how anesthesia-administered ketamine works without the patient’s awareness.

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Review of Psilocybin Use for Depression among Cancer Patients after Approval in Oregon

Psilocybin, the active compound in certain mushrooms, shows promise as a treatment for depression and anxiety in cancer patients, particularly those nearing end of life. Oregon legalized supervised psilocybin therapy in 2020, making it the first U.S. state to do so. While clinical research shows the treatment can rapidly reduce depression and improve quality of life, the actual rollout has faced challenges including regulatory hurdles, lack of professional standards, and unequal geographic access.

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