Role of psilocybin in the treatment of depression

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring alkaloid pharmacologically similar to LSD, is primarily used as a recreational drug or entheogen. Recent population-based studies indicate it does not cause serious physical or mental health problems or dependent use. Because of its novel mechanism as a 5-HT2A serotonin receptor agonist and its potential to increase subjective well-being, psilocybin is being investigated for therapeutic use in mood and anxiety disorders.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring alkaloid, pharmacologically similar to the classic hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Although primarily used as a recreational drug or an entheogen in particular cultural settings, recent population based studies have shown that it does not lead to serious physical or mental health problems or dependent use. In view of recent work demonstrating psilocybin’s potential to increase subjective sense of wellbeing and because of its novel mechanism of 5-HT 2A serotonin receptor agonism, it is being explored for possible therapeutic utility in mood and anxiety disorders.