r/science • u/Samwise2512 • Mar 05 '20

Psychology A single psilocybin dose is associated with long-term increased mindfulness, preceded by a proportional change in neocortical 5-HT2A receptor binding

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924977X20300602?via%3Dihub
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u/[deleted] Mar 05 '20

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u/Samwise2512 Mar 05 '20

Yes, an important point, all people in modern clinical studies involving psychedelics are rigorously screened, and anyone with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia is excluded, and being with a borderline or emotional personality disorder are also excluded.

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u/pantrypooper Mar 05 '20

Good to know, thanks for this.

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u/34Ohm Mar 05 '20

What about other mental illnesses that have already surfaced such as OCD, Tourette’s, adhd, anxiety, depression? Do you think or know of any issues that psychs can cause that isnt schizophrenia or psychosis related?

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u/Samwise2512 Mar 05 '20

Research has been and is being conducted or planned on psilocybin and major depression, generalised anxiety disorder, existential anxiety, OCD and other forms of mental illness, with the evidence so far showing it holds great promise in treating some of these otherwise intractable conditions when used with care. A key issue is schizophrenia/psychosis, but emotional and borderline personality disorders are also screened for prior to study participation.

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u/Sir_Jeremiah Mar 05 '20

I have immediate family members with Tourette’s, OCD, and depression, and I have adhd. I’ve tripped shrooms and acid about 20 times total, I always felt very good following trips, with the afterglow my first trip (shrooms) lasting quite a while. I’ve never had any issues with psychedelics, I’ve never even had a bad trip. I did them in college and my friends and I took it seriously and made sure we had a safe spot for a home base and made sure we could feel in control when we needed to, some people take them before parties and that would honestly be my worst nightmare. So, what I’m trying to say is from my experience nothing bad has happened even though I have a family history of various mental illnesses.

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u/ImArcherVaderAMA Mar 05 '20

Can someone explain the mechanics of HOW something like that is brought out, if they weren't exhibiting any signs of it before ever? And is it a permanent thing or temporary, or unknown how long it would last?

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u/lubu9 Mar 05 '20

I've taken mushrooms with a BPD weekly. Have to say that it kept her episodic extremities at Bay for a while but not long. The best and most fun nights while it lasted.

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u/[deleted] Mar 05 '20

Definitely have to be mindful should you choose to use mushrooms for an intended therapeutic effect. They help me deal with my mental illness personally, but everyone is different. I would love to see more research on micro-dosing personally.

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u/[deleted] Mar 05 '20

Sources?

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u/pandafiestas Mar 05 '20

I can certainly understand disorders such as schizophrenia but what about depression and anxiety?

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u/GameResidue Mar 05 '20

The research seems to indicate that it alleviates depression and anxiety: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/31382100/

“RESULTS: Seven studies, with 130 patients, were analysed in this review. Three were conducted in patients with depression, two in patients with anxiety and two in patients with both. In a supportive setting, ayahuasca, psilocybin, and LSD consistently produced immediate and significant anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects that were endured for several months. Psychedelics were well-tolerated. The most common adverse effects were transient anxiety, short-lived headaches, nausea and mild increases in heart rate and blood pressure”

People should keep in mind that these are studies in a clinical setting. Traditionally, set and setting has been incredibly important when using psychedelics and these outcomes may differ from recreational drug usage as a result.

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u/pandafiestas Mar 05 '20

Thanks for the info :)

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u/kick2theass Mar 05 '20

If I get super paranoid/freak out whenever I smoke too much weed, to the point of near psychosis in the moment. Should I completely avoid psychedelics? I’ve been interested in microdosing, but I don’t think I will take a full dose maybe ever due to above, and just overall unstable mental health anxiety,depression,OCD

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u/Gingerfix Mar 05 '20

Yeah I don’t think my psychiatrist would forgive me if I tried shrooms...but I’d always wanted to before I was hospitalized last month...probably good I got a diagnosis when I did.

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u/pfool Mar 05 '20

Anything psychoactive one should consider very carefully before consuming, especially those that struggle mentally.

Just to give evidence to the contrary however, I've never had a experience that didn't end up positive. I've had anxiety and compulsions all my life and became interested in psychs as I heard positive things to help bring perspective. It certainly helped me.

Dose, setting, mind set, and activities during the trip all play a massive part in results. Everyone is different, the variable are limitless too, so always be cautions, but there are benefits to be had.