Shroom therapy represents an emerging area in mental healthcare. This approach involves the use of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, as part of a structured therapeutic process. Its potential to address various mental health challenges is currently under extensive research.
What Is Shroom Therapy?
Shroom therapy, formally known as psilocybin-assisted therapy, involves the carefully controlled administration of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushroom species. This treatment is distinct from recreational use, occurring within a structured and supportive clinical environment under professional guidance. The process typically combines a measured dose of psilocybin with psychotherapy sessions, aiming to facilitate emotional processing and new insights while ensuring safety and efficacy.
How Psilocybin Interacts with the Brain
Psilocybin exerts its effects primarily by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A subtype. This interaction is thought to be central to the compound’s psychedelic properties and its potential therapeutic benefits. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which then binds to these receptors. This binding can lead to temporary changes in brain activity patterns.
One notable effect is an increase in neural plasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. Psilocybin may also enhance interconnectedness between different brain regions, which could promote more flexible thinking and new perspectives. This altered state of consciousness can temporarily reduce the activity of the default mode network (DMN), a brain network associated with self-referential thought and rumination. An overactive DMN is frequently observed in conditions such as depression and anxiety, suggesting a potential mechanism for psilocybin’s therapeutic action.
Conditions Explored in Treatment
Psilocybin-assisted therapy is being extensively researched for its potential to treat a range of mental health conditions.
Depression and Anxiety
Significant focus has been placed on severe depression and treatment-resistant depression, where preliminary evidence suggests rapid and substantial reductions in depressive symptoms. Some studies indicate that the antidepressant effects may last for several months or even up to a year following treatment. Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and anxiety associated with life-threatening illnesses, also show promising results. Psilocybin has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood in patients with cancer-related anxiety, with effects sustained for several months.
PTSD
For post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psilocybin is being explored for its ability to promote emotional openness and neuroplasticity, potentially helping individuals process traumatic memories. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest it may help reduce PTSD symptoms, emotional avoidance, and depression often associated with trauma.
Addiction
Psilocybin therapy is under investigation for addiction, including alcohol and nicotine dependence. Studies have shown that psilocybin combined with psychotherapy can significantly reduce heavy drinking days and promote abstinence in individuals with alcohol use disorder. These therapeutic effects are thought to stem from psilocybin’s ability to foster self-awareness, emotional processing, and a sense of interconnectedness, which can help disrupt entrenched addictive behaviors.
The Therapeutic Approach
A typical course of shroom therapy involves distinct phases, emphasizing it as a guided medical procedure. The process begins with preparation sessions, where the individual meets with therapists to build trust, discuss intentions, and prepare for the experience. These sessions also educate the individual about the effects and potential risks of psilocybin, and help develop coping strategies for any difficult emotions that may arise. The concept of “set and setting”—the individual’s mindset and physical environment—is important during preparation.
The psychedelic experience itself typically occurs in a comfortable, controlled setting, often lasting between six to eight hours, which aligns with the duration of the drug’s effects. During this time, one or two trained therapists are present to provide support and guidance, usually in a nondirective manner. Individuals may wear eye masks and listen to curated music to encourage an inward focus.
Following the psilocybin session, integration sessions are crucial for processing the insights and emotions that emerged. Therapists work with the individual to make sense of their journey and to incorporate any lessons or shifts in perspective into their daily life. This integration phase is essential for translating the experience into lasting therapeutic benefits.
Safety Considerations and Legal Status
Safety is a primary concern, with comprehensive screening conducted to identify contraindications. Individuals with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, are generally excluded due to the risk of inducing or worsening psychotic episodes. Other medical conditions, including severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and pregnancy, are also typically contraindications due to potential physical risks like transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
Potential side effects during a psilocybin session can include transient psychological effects such as anxiety, confusion, or emotional intensity, and physiological effects like nausea or headache. These effects are usually temporary and manageable within a supervised setting. Drug interactions, particularly with medications affecting the serotonin system like SSRIs, are also a consideration, and patients may need to be weaned off such medications before treatment.
Legally, psilocybin remains largely restricted globally and within the United States. Under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, it is classified as a Schedule I substance, indicating a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. This federal classification means psilocybin is generally not available outside of clinical trials.
However, a growing movement towards decriminalization and legalization is occurring at state and municipal levels. Oregon was the first state to legalize supervised psilocybin use for mental health treatment in 2020, with Colorado following in 2022. Despite these local changes, federal illegality still limits broad access and research.