The Dark Side of Psychedelic Drugs: Unpacking the Risks of Psilocybin

The Dark Side of Psychedelic Drugs: Unpacking the Risks of Psilocybin

While psychedelic drugs like psilocybin have been touted for their potential therapeutic benefits, it is crucial to examine the darker aspects of these substances. Recent research led by Dr. Joshua Siegel at Washington University in St. Louis highlights the profound risks associated with psilocybin, particularly its ability to disrupt critical brain networks and cause potential long-term psychological harm.

Psilocybin and Brain Disruption

Psilocybin is known for causing significant changes in brain activity, as observed through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. In a controlled study involving seven healthy young adults, psilocybin was found to dramatically alter functional connectivity (FC) across several brain regions. These alterations were much more intense than those caused by methylphenidate, a commonly used stimulant for ADHD. The most significant disruptions occurred in the default mode network (DMN), which is pivotal for maintaining a sense of self and reality.

Desynchronisation of the Default Mode Network

The DMN typically enables individuals to reflect on themselves and their environment when not focused on specific tasks. Psilocybin’s impact leads to a desynchronisation of this network, causing disruptions in self-referential thoughts and perceptions of space and time. Such a desynchronisation can lead to disorientation and a distorted sense of identity, raising concerns about the long-term psychological effects of psilocybin use.

Psychological Risks and Unsupervised Use

The subjective experiences induced by psilocybin are directly correlated with the extent of FC changes in the brain. While some may perceive these experiences as enlightening, the reality is that they can also lead to severe psychological distress, including anxiety, paranoia, and persistent alterations in perception. These risks are exacerbated when psilocybin is used without professional supervision, as individuals may not be equipped to handle the intense psychological effects.

Dr. Siegel and his team strongly caution against the self-medication of psilocybin, emphasising the serious risks involved when the drug is taken outside of a controlled therapeutic setting. The potential for negative outcomes underscores the importance of professional oversight to mitigate the dangers associated with its use.

Long-Term Implications

While some brain functions return to normal shortly after psilocybin use, the study noted that certain changes in functional connectivity, particularly between the DMN and the hippocampus, can persist for weeks. These lasting alterations could have unknown long-term effects on mental health, hinting at the possibility of enduring cognitive or emotional disturbances.

Despite the growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, the risks associated with its use cannot be overlooked. The disruption of critical brain networks and the potential for significant negative psychological effects warrant a cautious approach. As research continues, it is imperative that the potential harms are thoroughly understood and communicated to prevent misuse and safeguard mental health.

Source: NIH

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