21-year-old man dies after jabbing pencil into his brain during psilocybin trip
A detailed case report describes how a 21-year-old man died from self-inflicted ocular trauma during a bad psilocybin trip. The tragic event illustrates how rare but extreme reactions to psychedelics can lead to fatal outcomes.
Only a specific dose of psilocybin induces lasting antidepressant-like effects, study suggests
A recent study found that a single moderate dose of psilocybin produced lasting antidepressant-like effects in rats, while higher doses led to unwanted side effects. The findings highlight the importance of optimal dosing.
Psilocybin and escitalopram produce antidepressant effects via distinct brain mechanisms, study suggests
A new study using brain scans found that psilocybin and escitalopram reduce depression symptoms through different neural mechanisms. While escitalopram dampened emotional brain activity, psilocybin preserved or slightly increased it, suggesting distinct pathways to recovery.
A single dose of psilocybin might help reduce symptoms in treatment-resistant depression
A new open-label study suggests that a single dose of psilocybin, combined with psychological support, may reduce symptoms in people with severe treatment-resistant depression. Improvements were sustained for up to 12 weeks, although effects were weaker in those with PTSD.
Psilocybin use has surged in the United States since 2019
Psilocybin use has surged across the U.S. in recent years, with the biggest increases seen among adults with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
A dose of psilocybin stirred the brain of a barely conscious woman
In a groundbreaking case report, scientists administered psilocybin to a woman in a minimally conscious state and observed increased brain complexity and new spontaneous behavior—offering a glimpse into how psychedelics might influence consciousness in severe brain injury patients.
Psilocybin shows promise for improving mood, cognition, and motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease
Psilocybin therapy produced surprising benefits in a small study of people with Parkinson’s disease. Beyond improving mood, the psychedelic treatment was linked to better motor function and cognitive performance.
Psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback shows promise in preliminary research
A new study explores combining psilocybin microdosing with neurofeedback. The method appears feasible, though it’s unclear whether it meaningfully improves mental performance.
Psychedelics use is linked to lower odds of frequent bad headaches
A study of British adults found that those who had used psychedelics were 25% less likely to report frequent bad headaches, adding to growing research on psychedelics’ potential medical benefits.
Psilocybin’s impact on mental wellbeing varies by race, study finds
Does psilocybin affect everyone the same way? New research suggests that race and ethnicity may play a role in the long-term benefits of this psychedelic substance.
Psilocybin increases emotional empathy in depressed individuals, study finds
A single dose of psilocybin significantly increased emotional empathy in depressed individuals for up to two weeks.
“Bad trips” and guilt: Why difficult feelings during psychedelic use might actually be a good thing
Feelings of shame and guilt are surprisingly common during psilocybin experiences, affecting most users. However, a new study reveals that constructively working through these emotions, rather than avoiding them, is linked to improved wellbeing afterward.
Psychedelic therapy ignited a harrowing mental health crisis for one patient — but she would do it again
A psilocybin trial participant with treatment-resistant depression faced worsened suicidal thoughts and prolonged eating difficulties but ultimately experienced transformative life changes, highlighting both risks and nuanced benefits of psilocybin therapy.
Psilocybin alters how rats balance risks and rewards, researchers find
Psilocybin influenced risk-reward behavior in rats, increasing caution during learning but reducing hesitation after learning. These effects varied by sex and context, highlighting psilocybin's potential to flexibly modify responses to challenging situations.
Magic mushrooms may help reverse stress-induced memory deficits, new study suggests
Recent research found that Psilocybe cubensis extract improved memory and increased brain plasticity-related protein levels in stressed rats, but timing was key, as benefits were observed only when given 24-48 hours before memory training.
