Year: 2022
Type: review
Abstract: Psilocybin has four metabolites including the pharmacologically active primary metabolite psilocin, which readily enters the systemic circulation. The psychoactive effects of psilocin are believed to arise due to the partial agonist effects at the 5HT2A receptor. Psilocin also binds to various other receptor subtypes although the actions of psilocin at other receptors are not fully explored. Psilocybin administered at doses sufficient to cause hallucinogenic experiences has been trialed for addictive disorders, anxiety and depression. This review investigates studies of psilocybin and psilocin and assesses the potential for use of psilocybin and a treatment agent in neuropsychiatry. The potential for harm is also assessed, which may limit the use of psilocybin as a pharmacotherapy. Careful evaluation of the number needed to harm vs the number needed to treat will ultimately justify the potential clinical use of psilocybin. This field needs a responsible pathway forward.
Source: CNS Spectrums
Authors: Seetal Dodd, Trevor R. Norman, Harris A. Eyre, Stephen M. Stahl, Arnie Phillips, André F. Carvalho, Michael Berk
Institutions: Barwon Health, Deakin University, The University of Melbourne, Geelong Hospital, Organisation de Coopération et de Développement Economiques, University of California, San Francisco, Baylor College of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Adolfo Ibáñez University, Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Diego, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,255
OpenAlex ID: W4285007883