Researchers got a closer look at exactly howpsilocybin trips out the brain.
The volunteers then returned six to 12 months later for a second dose.
The team spotted dramatic changes in brain activity right away.
A gif showing a person’s brain activity before, during, and after taking psilocybin. The dramatic acute changes in brain activity patterns caused by the drug are indicated by the bright yellow, orange, and red areas,© Sara Moser/Washington University
While these disruptions largely faded away within days, some changes could still be seen weeks later.
But the research does support the idea that these drugs can help treat depression.
So by causing a little chaos, psilocybin might be shaking loose some of these harmful brain patterns.
An explanation and visual illustration of the study’s findings. © Sara Moser/Washington University
There are dozens of companies testing out novel psychedelics and non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs, he said.
The study provides a biomarker for testing drugs that are currently being developed that work similarly to psychedelics.
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Others say it could fuel inequity and undermine democracy, among other possible unknown consequences.
