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Writer's pictureJeff Lundgren

The Power of Psilocybin Therapy for Depression

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is reshaping mental health treatments. A recent study investigating the effects of Psilocybin Therapy (PT) versus conventional antidepressants like Escitalopram (Lexapro) in treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) challenged traditional approaches. It highlighted the unique psychological mechanisms underpinning psychedelic therapy's success.


DALL-E, 2024


PT, utilizing psychoactive compounds found in magic mushrooms, induces deep, meaningful psychological experiences. These experiences, particularly mystical experiences and ego dissolution, play a key role in the treatment's effectiveness. Unlike traditional antidepressants focusing on serotonin levels for symptom management, PT leverages acute psychological transformations for long-term healing.


This study's trial with a rigorous control and double-blind structure compared PT against Escitalopram, a commonly prescribed Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Patients undergoing PT reported significantly higher levels of mystical experiences and ego dissolution, linked to a greater reduction in depressive symptoms.


The study also highlighted the role of music during PT sessions in enhancing these experiences, suggesting the therapeutic setting significantly influences the treatment's efficacy. This aspect distinguishes PT from traditional treatments, pointing towards a holistic approach that integrates environment, mindset, and "drugs" to catalyze healing.


One striking finding was the durability of PT's effects. Patients treated with psilocybin showed lasting improvements, suggesting the acute psychological experiences induced by the therapy lead to long-term neuroplastic changes, contrasting with the maintenance approach of SSRIs, which often requires ongoing medication to manage symptoms.


What makes this exciting for me as a psychotherapist is the validation that the research expresses in reinforcing the significant aspect of impactful psychedelic psychotherapy as the mechanism of change in conjunction with rewiring the brain. These medicines themselves, in particular in microdose levels, do not necessarily create any more change than what you would see in classic psychiatric pharmacology.


This study validates the effectiveness of Psilocybin Therapy and highlights the role of mystical experiences and ego dissolution in driving therapeutic change. It paves the way for a new understanding of mental health treatment, where transformative psychological experiences are used for profound and enduring healing.


Reference:

Weiss, B., Roseman, L., Giribaldi, B., Nutt, D. J., Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Erritzoe, D. (2024). Unique Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Psilocybin Therapy Versus Escitalopram Treatment in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1-36.

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