A potential role for psilocybin in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Summary & key facts

This paper is a short review of research on using psilocybin — the active chemical in so-called "magic mushrooms" — to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. The authors found only limited direct evidence so far, but several different signals point to the idea that psilocybin might help. They also note that psilocybin, when given carefully in clinical settings, has shown mental and physical safety. The paper says more studies are needed, including work in animals and carefully controlled human trials, to know whether psilocybin can be a real treatment for OCD.

Key facts:

• The paper is a review that summarizes existing research and ideas about psilocybin as a possible treatment for OCD.
• Current direct evidence is limited, but multiple findings suggest psilocybin could have therapeutic potential for OCD.
• Psilocybin affects brain function in ways that the authors think might help reduce OCD symptoms.
• Studies of clinically given psilocybin so far have shown it to be safe for people in both mental and physical terms.
• The authors call for more research, including studies in animals and carefully controlled human trials, to properly test psilocybin for OCD.

Abstract

Abstract The recent revivification of interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelics has had a particular focus on mood disorders and addiction, although there is reason to think these drugs may be effective more widely. After outlining pertinent aspects of psilocybin and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the current review summarizes the evidence indicating that there may be a role for psilocybin in the treatment of OCD, as well as highlighting a range of potential therapeutic mechanisms that reflect the action of psilocybin on brain function. Although the current evidence is limited, that multiple signals point in directions consistent with treatment potential, alongside the psychological and physiological safety of clinically administered psilocybin, support the expansion of research, both in animal models and in further randomized controlled trials, to properly investigate this potential.

Topics

Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior Psychedelics and Drug Studies

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Addiction Clinical psychology Hallucinogen Medicine Mood Obsessive compulsive Psilocybin Psychiatry Psychology Psychotherapist

Substances

Psilocybin

Conditions & symptoms

Addiction Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Addiction or harmful habbits