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Summary of Transcript:
In this episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, neurobiologist and ophthalmologist Andrew Huberman discusses the effects, benefits, and risks of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. He explains how psilocybin modifies the psyche, perception, memory, and perception by mimicking serotonin and activating certain serotonin receptors, leading to neuroplasticity. Huberman also talks about the clinical applications of psilocybin for mental health disorders such as depression, addiction, OCD, and eating disorders, and how the conditions of a psilocybin journey, including dosage, music, and eyes open or closed, can impact neuroplasticity and post-journey therapeutic effects. Throughout the episode, Huberman stresses the importance of legality, safety, and proper dosing, especially for young people and those at risk of psychotic episodes.
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Summary of Description:
In this podcast episode, neuroscientist Andrew Huberman discusses psilocybin, the chemical behind “magic mushrooms,” and how it works to trigger neuroplasticity in the brain, leading to long-lasting shifts in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral patterns. Huberman reviews the emerging clinical evidence for psilocybin’s use in treating depression, addiction, and other psychiatric challenges. He explains different dosages, the importance of set, setting, and support, and highlights groups that could benefit and those who may be at risk. He also discusses the rapidly changing legal and medical landscape around psilocybin and its potential as a therapeutic breakthrough.
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Psilocybin and Neuroplasticity: The Science of Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelic therapy has existed for many years, but is currently gaining scientific and public attention as a potential treatment for various mental health conditions. One such psychedelic is psilocybin, the active compound found in “magic mushrooms.” In a recent episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman provides a comprehensive exploration of psilocybin from a scientific and clinical literature perspective, delving into its chemical properties, mechanism of action, therapeutic effects, dosing, safety, and legal considerations.
Chemical Properties and Mechanism of Action
Psilocybin is a tryptamine that is metabolized into psilocin in the gut, which ultimately activates serotonin receptors in the brain. Specifically, psilocin binds to the serotonin 2A receptor, which triggers a cascade of neurotransmitter release, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The activation of these receptors and subsequent neurotransmission leads to changes in neural connectivity, which underlie the therapeutic effects of psilocybin.
Neuroplasticity and Therapeutic Outcomes
The brain’s ability to rewire itself in response to experience is called neuroplasticity, and psilocybin has been shown to enhance this process. Research has shown that psilocybin can increase the growth of dendritic spines, the small protrusions on neurons that facilitate communication between cells. This increased connectivity can lead to long-lasting changes in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral patterns, as well as a heightened sense of perception and creativity.
Therapeutic Applications
Research has shown promising results for the use of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety in cancer patients. In clinical trials, psilocybin has been found to have sustained therapeutic effects after a single dose, with some patients experiencing a reduction in symptoms for up to six months.
Dosing, Set, and Setting
The effects of psilocybin depend greatly on the dosage, with different categories of dosages ranging from microdosing to “heroic doses.” It is also important to consider the set (mindset) and setting (environment) of the experience, as these factors can greatly impact the journey. Research has shown that a supportive and safe environment, such as a therapeutic setting with trained professionals, can lead to more positive outcomes.
Safety and Legal Considerations
While psilocybin has shown potential therapeutic benefits, it is important to note that it can also pose risks to certain patient populations, such as those with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders or severe anxiety. Additionally, psilocybin is currently classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning it has no accepted medical use and is illegal under federal law. However, several states and countries have recently decriminalized or legalized psilocybin for medical or therapeutic use, indicating a shifting legal and medical landscape.
Conclusion
The scientific exploration of psilocybin is still in its early stages, but the increasing evidence for its therapeutic potential is sparking renewed interest in psychedelic therapy. As research progresses, it is important to consider the potential benefits and risks of psilocybin use, and to approach its use with caution and respect for its powerful effects on the brain.
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Source Description
In this episode, I discuss what psilocybin is (chemically) and how it works at the cellular and neural circuit level to trigger neuroplasticity, which is our brain’s ability to rewire itself in ways that lead to long-lasting shifts in our emotional, cognitive and behavioral patterns and abilities. I discuss the emerging clinical trial evidence for the use of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, addictions and other psychiatric challenges. I explain the typical duration and phases of a psilocybin journey, the different categories of dosages often used and I explain the importance of set, setting and support when using psychedelics. I explain which groups of people place themselves at great risk by taking psilocybin as well as groups that could benefit, and I highlight the rapidly changing legal and medical landscape around psilocybin. This episode is a thorough exploration of psilocybin from the scientific and clinical literature perspective and ought to be of interest to anyone curious about psilocybin, mental health, neuroplasticity and/or psychedelics more generally.
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Articles
The neural basis of psychedelic action: https://go.nature.com/3VInMlE
The effects of psilocybin and MDMA on between-network resting state functional connectivity in healthy volunteers: https://bit.ly/3VW8iL7
Increased low-frequency brain responses to music after psilocybin therapy for depression: https://bit.ly/3LKj6XK
Quality of Acute Psychedelic Experience Predicts Therapeutic Efficacy of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression: https://bit.ly/42c7y6x
Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal: https://bit.ly/3wEvGRf
Therapeutic use of psilocybin: Practical considerations for dosing and administration: https://bit.ly/3HPHLZM
Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo: https://bit.ly/3HQ8J3z
Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics: https://bit.ly/44Gpwjx
Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression: https://bit.ly/3pjvu9N
Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: https://bit.ly/3sFSGMM
The costs and benefits of psychedelics on cognition and mood: https://bit.ly/3NNyEwI
Other Resources
The Physiological Sigh: https://youtu.be/rBdhqBGqiMc
Dr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelic Medicine: https://hubermanlab.com/dr-matthew-johnson-psychedelic-medicine
Timestamps
00:00:00 Psilocybin, Legal Considerations
00:08:32 Sponsors: Eight Sleep, ROKA, HVMN
00:12:00 Psilocybin Becomes Psilocin in the Gut, Serotonin
00:17:00 The Serotonin 2A Receptor, Therapeutic Outcomes SSRIs vs. Psilocybin
00:21:40 Serotonin Receptor Expression; Visual Hallucinations & Eyes Closed
00:27:21 Safety & Cautions for Specific Patient Populations
00:29:13 Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens)
00:30:28 Psilocybin, “Magic Mushrooms” Dosing, Micro-Dosing, “Heroic Doses”
00:36:21 Psychedelic Journey: Set, Setting & Support
00:43:43 Music & the Psilocybin Journey; Duration of Effects
00:48:58 Psilocybin & the Brain: Subjective Experiences, Perception
00:58:36 Sponsor: LMNT
00:59:48 Brain Networks & Therapeutic Outcomes
01:05:23 Creativity; Music, Emotionality & Psychedelic Journeys
01:12:39 Depression & Psychedelics as Neuroplasticity “Wedge”
01:16:53 Positive Psychedelic Journeys, Unity, “Oceanic Boundlessness”
01:25:23 “Bad Trips”, Anxiety & Physiological Sighs
01:32:57 Therapeutic Use of Psilocybin
01:36:11 Neuroplasticity, Structural Brain Changes & Psilocybin
01:48:08 Psychedelics: Therapeutic Breakthroughs & Depression
01:56:37 Combining Psilocybin Therapy & Talk Therapy, Antidepressant Effects
02:03:11 Psilocybin Experience & Mental Health
02:06:42 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Neural Network Newsletter, Social Media
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac – https://www.blabacphoto.com
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