New research suggests that psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, could offer significant mental health benefits for individuals with cancer and alcohol use disorder when combined with psychotherapy. Two recent studies have provided promising insights into the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy for alleviating psychological distress and inducing lasting positive changes in patients’ personalities.
The first study, published on October 7 in Nature Mental Health, explores the impact of psilocybin therapy on cancer patients suffering from anxiety and depression. Conducted by a team from NYU Langone Health, the study found that psilocybin, when paired with psychotherapy, led to a notable reduction in anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, anger, and physical symptoms linked to psychological distress. The improvements were sustained for up to six months.
Dr. Petros Petridis, clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and lead author of the study, remarked, “Our findings suggest that the mental health benefits of psilocybin therapy for cancer patients may reach far beyond what we have previously understood.” The study also confirmed that psilocybin did not result in lasting paranoia, psychosis, or severe phobias, further supporting the safety of psilocybin under controlled medical supervision. Senior author Dr. Stephen Ross, a clinical professor at NYU, emphasized the growing body of evidence suggesting psilocybin’s therapeutic potential when carefully administered.
The research team analyzed data from two previous clinical trials involving 79 cancer patients. These trials tested the effects of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, where participants either received a high dose of psilocybin or a placebo (vitamin B3 or a minimal dose of psilocybin). After six to seven weeks, the groups switched treatments. Patients were assessed at the beginning and six months after the second dose, revealing sustained improvements in mental health.
In a separate study, published on January 1 in a special edition of The American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine investigated the effects of psilocybin on individuals with alcohol use disorder. The study found that patients treated with psilocybin experienced significant reductions in impulsivity, depression, and vulnerability compared to those who received a placebo. Notably, patients who underwent psilocybin therapy became more “open”—more accepting of their emotions and thoughts—and these changes were observed to persist seven months after treatment.
The study, which included 83 participants, used a standard personality assessment before and after the intervention. Participants received two doses of psilocybin or an antihistamine placebo during psychotherapy sessions. Dr. Broc Pagni, postdoctoral fellow at NYU and lead author of the study, explained, “Since impulsiveness has long been linked to excessive drinking and relapse, the personality changes induced by psilocybin therapy may help patients remain resilient to triggers that could lead to relapse.”
Notably, the study found gender differences in response to treatment: men were more likely to experience an increase in positive emotions, while women showed a greater rise in openness. These differences require further investigation to understand their implications, according to Dr. Michael Bogenschutz, senior author of the study and director of the Center for Psychedelic Medicine at NYU. The team is also planning future research to explore whether similar personality changes could be observed in patients with opioid use disorder.
While both studies highlighted the potential benefits of psilocybin, researchers noted a key challenge: most participants were able to correctly identify whether they had received psilocybin or a placebo, which could affect the study’s results. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, has mind-altering effects similar to those of LSD and mescaline. These effects can include profound changes in perception, emotions, and sense of self, often with spiritual or personal significance.
Given its potential to raise blood pressure and heart rate, as well as induce overwhelming psychological effects, experts caution that psilocybin should only be used in controlled settings under careful medical supervision. Researchers stress the importance of thorough psychological evaluations and preparation before administering the drug.
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