Notes on Huberman Lab Podcast Episode on Psilocybin and Its Effects on Our Brain
How Psilocybin Can Rewire Our Brain, Its Therapeutic Benefits & Its Risks
Exploring the Potential of Psilocybin for Mental Health Treatment
In his latest podcast episode, Dr. Andrew Huberman dived deep into the potential benefits of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, for mental health treatment. While other psychedelics like LSD, DMT, 5-meo-DMT, and MDMA were briefly mentioned, the main focus of the discussion was psilocybin. This post provides detailed notes based on the topics covered in that episode. So let’s get started.
Psilocybin and its Effects on the Brain
Psilocybin works by mimicking serotonin, a neuromodulator that affects mood, pleasure, and motivation. This activates a subset of serotonin receptors, primarily located in the neocortex, leading to neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize its neural connections.
Chemical Composition and Selectivity
The chemical composition of psilocybin is similar to serotonin, and its selectivity for the serotonin 2A receptor is responsible for its effects on the brain and improvements in mood.
Eyes-Closed Experiences and Safety Concerns
Experts recommend eyes-closed experiences during psilocybin sessions for therapeutic benefits. However, they also discuss safety and legality issues, warning that psilocybin use is not suitable for everyone, especially those under 25 and those with predispositions to psychotic episodes.
Dosing and Structure of a Psilocybin Journey
The podcast covered topics such as dosing, microdosing, and macro dosing, as well as the importance of accurate dosing with synthetic and natural psilocybin. A typical psilocybin journey lasts four to six hours and can be broken down into three segments.
Set and Setting
The importance of set and setting, including mindset, safe environments, and preconditioning, is emphasized to ensure a positive and safe experience.
Music and the Psychedelic Experience
The influence of music on the psychedelic experience is discussed, noting how it can shape the user's emotional state and perception during a psilocybin journey.
Neurological Effects and Subjective Experiences
Psilocybin alters visual perception and emotional states by expanding the functional connectivity of the brain. This expanded connectivity persists even after the effects of psilocybin have worn off. Subjective experiences during a psilocybin journey often include oceanic boundlessness, ego dissolution, and feelings of connectedness, which correlate with positive therapeutic outcomes, such as relief from depression.
Letting Go and Ego Dissolution
The podcast highlights the importance of "letting go" and "ego dissolution" during psychedelic journeys for positive therapeutic outcomes, based on the research of Dr. Matthew Johnson and Robin Carter Harris. Striking a balance between experiencing anxiety and ego dissolution during the journey is important, as extreme levels of anxiety could prevent neuronal rewiring and more pervasive positive mood changes.
The Role of Guides
Well-trained guides who understand the contours of the psychedelic journey can help individuals manage their anxiety during sessions, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Neuroplasticity and Clinical Studies
Psilocybin initiates the neuroplasticity process but is not the process itself. While neurogenesis is not the primary mechanism responsible for psilocybin-induced changes in the brain, growth of new dendrites and dendritic spines may play a role in the positive effects of psilocybin on mood and depression. Clinical studies have explored the use of psilocybin for treating various mental health conditions, with the strongest evidence supporting treatment-resistant depression and cancer-related anxiety.
Dosing and Safety
Higher doses (25-30 milligrams) of psilocybin have been found to be more effective in producing positive outcomes compared to lower doses (10 milligrams or 1 milligram). However, correct dosing, a safe environment, and well-trained guides are essential to achieving the best results with psilocybin therapy.
Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression
The podcast discusses key aspects of a paper that explored the use of psilocybin to treat treatment-resistant depression, specifically its effectiveness and associated adverse events like headaches, anxiety, and self-harm tendencies. Results from clinical trials indicate that psilocybin seems effective in treating depression, with 60 to 75% of major depressive disorder patients experiencing substantial positive relief from depression after proper sessions.
Cautions and Contraindications
Psilocybin should be used with caution due to its strong psychological effects, especially for people with disorders like psychosis or bipolar disorder, younger individuals (25 years and younger), or those not working with a highly trained physician.
Conclusion
The podcast episode highlights the potential benefits of psilocybin when used safely and responsibly, and the ongoing research in this area. As our understanding of psilocybin's effects on the brain and mental health continues to grow, it may open new avenues for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions.
That’s a wrap up on this bonus post. We will be back with a round up of podcast episode from last week and our summaries from those episodes. In the meanwhile if let us know if you are interested in any other podcasts that you would like to see covered here.