This is from a article by , Edel Hyland , Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry & Fungal Biology, Queen's University Belfast -
"Think of our brain like a map. When we’re young, we explore all corners of this map, sending out connections in every direction to make sense of our environment. Before long, we figure out basic truths – such as how to secure food, or where we live – and the neurological paths that make up these connections strengthen .Over time, a network emerges that reflects our unique experiences. Regions we re-visit often will develop established paths, whereas under-used connections will fade away .
Conditions such as addiction, chronic depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are characterised by processes such as repetitive negative thinking or rumination, where patients focus on negative thoughts in a counterproductive way. Unfortunately, these strengthen brain connections that perpetuate the unfavourable mental state .Psilocybin stimulates a receptor in the brain called 5-HT2a. This receptor usually binds to serotonin, a chemical in our body which controls communication between specific nerve cells. But when psilocybin binds to the 5-HT2a receptor, it makes it easier for our brain to change and generate new connections (including causing hallucinations at high doses).
We call this an increase in neuroplasticity. Although the effects of a single large dose of psychedelics are transitory, evidence shows administering two smaller doses of psilocybin three weeks apart leads to a sustained increase in connectivity between different functional regions of the brain. Such changes in neuroplasticity have the potential to disrupt the rigid thought patterns that underlie certain mental health conditions.
While there’s still much we don’t know about fungal metabolites – including whether other molecules exist that have a similar effect on neurological function – it’s clear they have great potential in mental health treatment. Perhaps it’s time for us to relinquish certain negative connotations we have of illicit fungal drugs, and become comfortable thinking of brain-altering psychedelics as medicine"
Excitingly, many countries recognise the benefits of psychedlics for mental health treatment. The Australian government even legalised prescription psilocybin for medicinal use in 2022. Although the UK doesn’t yet permit the prescription of psychedelics, multiple research centres are undertaking trials to establish the mental health benefits of fungal metabolites
