Psilocybin: What You Should Know About It If You Have Depression

In recent years, psilocybin — the active compound in “magic mushrooms” — has become a topic of growing interest in mental health. Once seen as a purely recreational or counterculture drug, it’s now being studied for its potential to help people struggling with depression, especially those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments. 

If you live with depression or know someone who does, our team at Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio can help. In this month’s blog, we offer expert insight about psilocybin and explain its potential role in healing.

What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound that occurs naturally in specific types of mushrooms. When ingested, it converts into psilocin in your body, which affects serotonin receptors in your brain — particularly the ones linked to mood, perception, and cognition. 

People who take psilocybin often experience changes in thought patterns, heightened emotions, and, at higher doses, hallucinations or altered states of consciousness.

How might psilocybin help depression?

Traditional antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), gradually increase serotonin levels in the brain over time. Psilocybin also interacts with serotonin but in a much more immediate and profound way.

Studies suggest that psilocybin can help reset neural pathways that are stuck in negative thinking loops, a common pattern in major depressive disorder.

Clinical trials have shown that a single guided session of psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. In some cases, people report feeling better within hours or days, with effects lasting for weeks or even months.

What’s the catch?

Psilocybin is not a magic cure, and it’s not for everyone. It’s still a controlled substance in many places, and you should only use it in clinical or research settings under professional supervision. 

Side effects can include nausea, confusion, anxiety, and, in rare cases, distressing experiences known as “bad trips.” For people with a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder, psilocybin may not be safe. Our professional team can evaluate your mental health condition and determine if it’s right for you.

The importance of your setting and mindset

Psilocybin therapy doesn’t involve taking mushrooms on your own. It occurs in a therapeutic setting with one of our trained professionals who guides you through the experience. 

The environment, your mindset, and the support available can dramatically affect your experience and outcomes.

Looking ahead

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted breakthrough therapy designation to psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, meaning it's being fast-tracked for research and approval. For now, it is only available as part of research studies, but we do anticipate it being approved for more widespread use in the future.

If you’re dealing with depression and you’re curious about alternative treatments, contact us today to learn more about psilocybin therapy. Call our office in Dublin, Ohio, or book an appointment online now.