Psychotherapeutic Applications for Psilocybin
Psilocybin is thought to be an effective treatment for disorders related to rigid modes of thinking – those disorders based on habits & biases. Trials are ongoing, so effectiveness isn’t yet scientifically proven. Disorders showing promise through ongoing trials for psilocybin-assisted therapy include anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, addictions, and headache disorders.
What is Psilocybin Assisted Therapy?
Psilocybin-assisted therapy involves ingesting psilocybin while exploring a specific, previously-set intention, with the goal of healing and transformation. Researchers and clinicians often describe three distinct therapy phases: preparation, the acute psychedelic experience, and integration. The non-psychedelic elements of this approach are essential for both effectiveness and safety.
What Does Psilocybin Do to My Brain (Pharmacology)?
Psilocybin is easily converted within the body to the simpler compound, psilocin via dephosphorylation. Psilocybin is therefore a “prodrug” of psilocin. Psilocin acts to stimulate (is an agonist of) the 5-HT2A receptor to induce the psychoactive effects.
Psilocybin Positive Effects
The following positive effects of psilocybin are the most common: visual distortions, vivid imagery with eyes open or closed, auditory and visual hallucinations, sensory synthesia, feelings of expansiveness, feelings of oneness and connection with others and the universe, heightened emotions, transcendence of space and time, ego dissolution, mystical experiences, altered cognition, Introspection, and insightfulness.
Psilocybin Negative Effects
Like all drugs, psilocybin can induce side effects. The environment where a person takes psilocybin can significantly impact the experience. The following negative effects of psilocybin are the most common: panic attacks, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, dysphoria, irrational and reckless behavior, impaired concentration and focus, disordered thinking, dizziness, disorientation, restlessness, muscle weakness, nausea or vomiting, light sensitivity, pupil dilation, flashbacks, and headaches.
Full Article: https://psychedelic.support/resources/psilocybin-assisted-therapy-guide/
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