Psychoactive substance psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, has been used in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses for several years. However, the exact mechanism of how the drug works has remained a mystery until now. A new study from Imperial College London has revealed that psilocybin reorganizes the neural networks in the brain by altering the connections between different brain regions. The researchers analyzed magnetic resonance images of 59 participants from two clinical trials to determine whether psilocybin treatment changed the brain. They compared the brain scans of those who received psilocybin with those who received the antidepressant escitalopram and found that the functional connectivity of the neural networks increased with psilocybin treatment, correlating with the relief of depression symptoms.
Previous studies have shown that psilocybin is more effective in treating depression symptoms than traditional medications. It is also believed that the substance reorganizes the functional connectivity of the brain, which is significantly reduced in individuals with depression. Psychedelics like psilocybin seem to counteract this process by creating new connections between different brain networks. The authors of the study suggest that this process could lead to patients experiencing new perspectives and emotional relaxation. Matthias Liechti, one of the authors of the study, notes that the “increased functional connectivity could correspond to a described subjective increased flexibility and emotional relaxation.” He also highlights the correlation between the acute subjective pleasant effects of psilocybin and its therapeutic effect.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the mechanism of action of psilocybin in treating psychiatric illnesses. By reorganizing the neural networks in the brain, psilocybin seems to alleviate depression symptoms and create new perspectives for patients. The findings of this study could pave the way for further research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and other psychedelics.
