Neuroscience: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

The authors report a mechanism by which the psychedelic drug psilocybin causes acute release of stress hormones, even though it is known to have long-term anti-anxiety effects. This finding suggests that the immediate hormonal stress response may be distinct from the drug's eventual mood benefits.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Small amounts of stress are thought to have beneficial effects. A new study reports a mechanism by which the psychedelic drug, psilocybin, causes acute release of stress hormones, despite its known long-term anti-anxiety effects.