People grappling with terminal diseases frequently experience emotional distress such as depression, anxiety, existential dread, and a sense of lost purpose, which can exacerbate their already challenging circumstances.
Traditional treatments such as counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can provide relief, but they may not be effective for everyone. This realization has led researchers to consider novel, alternative strategies for end-of-life care.
Emerging research suggests that psychedelic therapy could be a potential answer for alleviating existential distress in patients with incurable diseases. A review published in Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry indicates that psychedelics may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve quality of life, and lessen fear associated with death among patients with life-threatening ailments.
To delve deeper into the efficacy of psilocybin mushrooms, many Canadians buy shrooms online for investigational reasons.
[toc]
The Impact of Psilocybin on the Brain
The National Institutes of Health characterizes psychedelics derived from shrooms as powerful substances that can alter cognition. They affect mood and perception by interacting with the brain’s serotonin circuits.
Let’s examine the findings of various studies:
| Researchers | Observations |
| Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas | Psychedelics such as psilocybin interact with serotonin 2A receptors that regulate emotions and perception. |
| A report from Mental Health News | Psilocybin, a natural hallucinogenic compound present in over 200 species of fungi, could potentially reconfigure the brains of people suffering from depression, offering a possible solution. |
| Researchers from UC San Francisco and Imperial College London | Psilocybin enhances the connections between different brain regions in individuals with depression, potentially enabling them to overcome excessive self-reflection and overthinking. |
| A randomized, double-blind study by John Hopkins University | High doses of psilocybin greatly decreased depression, anxiety, and fear of death, while improving quality of life, sense of life’s meaning, and optimism. |
| Clinical study from New York University | Between 60% and 80% of participants reported a reduction in anxiety and depression after psilocybin therapy, which led to a reduction in existential distress. It was observed that the therapeutic effects were associated with the psychedelic experience that psilocybin induces. |
Clinical Research
Researchers from the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences conducted 2 studies involving 60 participants, all of whom underwent fMRI brain scans, to support these findings.
Methodology
- First Study. Patient participants who were suffering from treatment-resistant depression received a dose of psilocybin.
- Second Study. Participants who had less severe depression were unaware if they were given psilocybin or an escitalopram placebo. All participants also received the same psychotherapy.
Scans were performed before and after treatment to assess the impact.
Results
- The psilocybin treatment resulted in a reduction of connections within brain areas linked to depression, such as the default mode, salience, and executive networks. It also enhanced connections to less integrated brain regions.
- It reduced the effects of emotional avoidance and brought significant improvements in cognitive functioning.
The effects of psilocybin on the brain’s rewiring persisted for up to three weeks post the second dosage. Consequently, psilocybin offers a potential alternative treatment for depression by restructuring the brain and lessening chronic negative thought processes associated with the condition. This outcome suggests that psilocybin operates differently from conventional antidepressants.
Psilocybin Therapy – An Emerging Treatment Approach
The controlled use of psilocybin in a therapeutic environment, often combined with psychological support, is known as Psilocybin therapy. This approach is gaining recognition for its potential to treat depression resistant to treatment, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with terminal conditions.
A recent survey by researchers from Université Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy, McGill University, Université de Montréal, and UQAR aimed to gauge public opinion on the medicinal use of psilocybin for end-of-life care. According to the survey results published in Palliative Medicine, nearly 4
One in every five Canadians supports the use of psilocybin to soothe existential distress at the end-of-life stage.
Lead researcher Michel Dorval noted that research has shown that psilocybin, when used alongside psychotherapy, can provide quick, powerful, and long-lasting relief for individuals grappling with advanced cancer. It is important to highlight that psilocybin therapy can elicit a deep sense of comprehension and relief that can persist for up to six months.
Moreover, the survey indicates that those who have experience in palliative care or previous use of psilocybin are more supportive. Dorval suggested that personal encounters with end-of-life distress may contribute to this receptiveness to unconventional methods.
Regardless of the existing prejudices against psychedelic drugs, the research signifies a growing acceptance of psilocybin therapy in Canada, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care settings. The authors expect that these results will improve the availability of this innovative treatment.
Further Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
1. Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
In a double-blind, randomized trial with 93 participants, published in JAMA Psychiatry in August 2022, it was found that coupling psilocybin with psychotherapy resulted in significantly fewer instances of heavy drinking over approximately eight months compared to a placebo control group. The participants who were given psilocybin also drank less alcohol on the days they did indulge.
2. Aid in Smoking Cessation
Although quitting smoking is notoriously difficult, a small pilot study carried out by Johns Hopkins University researchers, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in January 2017, suggested that psilocybin, in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helped 10 out of 15 participants to stay smoke-free for a year. A subsequent study proposed that the psychedelic experience could potentially reshape a smoker’s identity, thereby encouraging lasting abstinence.
3. Approach to Anorexia Treatment
New research indicates that psilocybin may be helpful for individuals battling anorexia. A preliminary study published in Biological Psychiatry in May 2022 reported significant symptom reduction in eating disorders and anxiety among adults with anorexia who underwent psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.
4. Mitigating End-of-Life Anxiety
Living with Terminal Illnesses
It’s not uncommon for individuals diagnosed with terminal illnesses to suffer from anxiety and depression. Psilocybin therapy, however, offers a ray of hope, backed by promising research evidence. Studies have demonstrated significant declines in anxiety and depression levels in patients facing life-threatening cancer diagnoses who have undergone this therapy.
What to Expect from Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy has the potential to deliver potent healing results swiftly, potentially leading to sustained benefits. Each session is personalized to cater to individual needs and adheres strictly to specific clinic or trial guidelines.
| Phase | Description | Duration |
| Before | The initial sessions are dedicated to addressing any concerns and setting treatment goals with a facilitator, aiming to establish a trustworthy relationship and safe environment. | 1 to 6 hours |
| During | The participant ingests a dose of psilocybin in a cozy setting, lying down with an eye mask, listening to a chosen playlist, and under the supervision of a therapist. | 5 to 8 hours |
| After | Post-session discussions provide an opportunity to interpret the experience with the therapist, which aids in integrating the insights into daily life. | Several sessions over a period of hours |
Tips for Choosing Psilocybin Therapy
- Research clinics where psilocybin is legalized and consider joining a waiting list if necessary.
- Select a clinic that offers psilocybin therapy in the presence of an experienced therapist or a professional guide for a more therapeutic encounter.
- Interview potential therapists, questioning their qualifications, experience, therapeutic approaches, and expertise in handling mental health conditions.
- Be honest about your precise reasons for seeking therapy, mental health status, medical history, and your family’s mental health history.
- Consider therapists who specialize in your specific mental health condition and consult organizations like the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA) for guidance and training.
- Provide a detailed account of your medical and mental health history, especially if there’s a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- Discuss your decision to opt for psilocybin therapy with your current mental health provider, and inquire if they are open to collaborating with your psilocybin therapy team.
- Discuss the dosage, protocol, and the necessity to start the therapy with your chosen therapist.
Buy Shrooms Online at Shrooms Online Canada
At Shrooms Online Canada, we acknowledge the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for mental health disorders such as treatment-resistant depression. Our online dispensary is user-friendly and offers an extensive range of magic mushroom products, including dried shrooms, shroom edibles, and diverse strains to meet your needs.
Our mushroom dispensary is driven by customer satisfaction. We provide a safe and reliable online platform for buying magic mushrooms. Experience the benefits of small doses for overall wellness or try higher doses for therapeutic purposes. Explore the transformative power of psychedelics and improve your mental health with Shrooms Online Canada. Place your order for magic mushrooms online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is suitable for psilocybin therapy?
If you’re dealing with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, trying to quit smoking, or battling a terminal illness, you might benefit from psilocybin therapy.
However, if you have a past of schizophrenia or psychosis, or these conditions are common in your family, substances like psilocybin might exacerbate your symptoms. Likewise, individuals with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are generally advised against this therapy.
What is the usual dosage of psilocybin in a therapy session?
The dosage often varies, starting with lower doses in a therapy environment and adjusting according to individual responses. Clinical research has shown that a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin, used in conjunction with psychological support, led to decreased depression scores in treatment-resistant depression patients.
Can psilocybin therapy be used to treat PTSD?
This is a rapidly advancing area of research. However, studies have progressed more on MDMA, a non-traditional psychedelic with stimulant characteristics, used alongside psychotherapy for PTSD treatment. Clinical trials of this psychedelic have reached phase 3, and it is expected that MDMA may be approved for PTSD treatment this year.
