Psilocybin for Mental Health and Addiction: What You Need To Know

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/psilocybin-for-mental-health-and-addiction-what-you-need-to-know?nav=govd Psilocybin is a plant chemical that comes from certain types of mushrooms. It’s considered a psychedelic drug—a type of drug that affects how the brain processes a chemical called serotonin. At certain doses, it can change people’s moods, thoughts, and perceptions. Researchers are interested in the potential of psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin to treat mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, existential distress in serious medical illnesses, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. Psilocybin is also being studied as a possible treatment for chronic pain. People’s reactions to psilocybin can be unpredictable and can include unpleasant experiences involving extreme fear, confusion, and panic. Psilocybin can also have other side effects such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, poor sleep, paranoia, and hallucinations. Experts recommend that people should only take psilocybin while under the care of a trained therapist or facilitator.