anxiety disorders – Page 3

Palliative care patients’ attitudes and openness towards psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for existential distress

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A study asked 31 palliative care patients about their views on using psilocybin (a compound from magic mushrooms) as a treatment for existential distress—the emotional and spiritual suffering that comes with terminal illness. Over half the patients were interested in trying this therapy, especially if they believed it could help with anxiety and stress. However, patients were concerned about risks like psychosis, the lack of trained therapists, and the potential for doctors to take advantage of them during treatment. The researchers concluded that while psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise, there needs to be better education and strict safeguards to protect vulnerable patients.

Postpartum depression: A role for psychedelics?

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Postpartum depression affects many new mothers and involves feelings of disconnection from themselves and their babies. This review suggests that psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, might help by promoting reconnection and acceptance. The authors examine safety data suggesting psilocybin could potentially be used safely in postpartum women if appropriate precautions are taken, such as temporarily stopping breastfeeding after treatment.

Psychological flexibility as a mechanism of change in psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression: results from an exploratory placebo-controlled trial

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This study examined how psilocybin mushroom therapy works for treating depression when combined with talk therapy. Participants received a placebo pill followed by psilocybin four weeks later, both times as part of psychological treatment. The research found that people who received psilocybin showed greater improvements in their ability to accept difficult thoughts and emotions and live according to their values, and these improvements were linked to feeling less depressed.

Psychedelics: Safety and Efficacy

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This paper reviews scientific research on psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin that are being studied for treating depression and PTSD. While some research claims these drugs are beneficial, many studies have serious flaws including hiding negative side effects and being influenced by money from pharmaceutical companies. The author concludes that we need much better research before these drugs can be safely approved for medical use.

Mushrooms, Microdosing, and Mental Illness: The Effect of Psilocybin on Neurotransmitters, Neuroinflammation, and Neuroplasticity

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This review examines how psilocybin, the active compound in certain mushrooms, may help treat depression and anxiety by reducing brain inflammation and promoting healthy neurotransmitter function. Both full doses under medical supervision and smaller ‘microdoses’ show promise for mental health conditions. The research suggests psilocybin works by calming the immune system’s inflammatory response while simultaneously supporting the brain’s natural healing and adaptation processes, offering a potential alternative treatment when standard medications don’t work.

Group psychedelic therapy: empirical estimates of cost-savings and improved access

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This study examines whether treating multiple patients together in psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions could reduce costs and help more people access these promising psychiatric treatments. Researchers compared group versus individual therapy using MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for depression, finding that group therapy saved about 35-51% on clinician costs. If adopted widely, group therapy could reduce the number of clinicians needed and potentially save billions of dollars while helping thousands more patients receive treatment.

Identification of Blood Biomarkers of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Treatment Response for Generalised Anxiety Disorder

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Researchers studied how psilocybin-assisted therapy works for people with anxiety disorders by examining blood samples from patients who responded well to treatment versus those who didn’t. They identified four genes whose expression patterns could help predict which anxiety patients would benefit from psilocybin therapy before starting treatment. This breakthrough could help doctors avoid giving intensive treatment to patients unlikely to respond and instead direct them toward more effective alternatives.

Acute and Chronic Psilocybin in Mouse Models of Psychiatric Disorders

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Researchers tested psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) in mice bred to show obsessive-compulsive behaviors. A single dose of psilocybin reduced compulsive grooming for about a week, but giving it repeatedly over time did not help with anxiety, depression, or compulsive behaviors. The findings suggest psilocybin might work best as a one-time treatment rather than repeated doses, which has implications for how these drugs might be used in future psychiatric treatment.

PolDrugs 2025: results of the third edition of the nationwide study on psychoactive substance use in the context of psychiatry and harm reduction

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This Polish study surveyed nearly 2,500 recreational drug users about their substance use patterns and mental health. The survey found that marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, but worryingly, most users don’t test what they’re taking or measure doses carefully. The study also revealed increasing use of mephedrone and other stimulants that are sending more people to hospitals, while interest in psychedelics is declining. Importantly, more people are now seeing psychiatrists and being honest about their drug use.

Synthesis and bioactivity of psilocybin analogues containing a stable carbon–phosphorus bond

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Researchers created new chemical versions of psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) that cannot be broken down by the body’s natural enzymes in the same way. They tested these new compounds to see if they could help with depression and anxiety by targeting specific brain receptors. The best compound worked well on the intended brain receptors but importantly showed less activity on a heart-related receptor, potentially making it safer than natural psilocybin.

Disease: anxiety disorders