In this episode, I discuss what psilocybin is (chemically) and how it works at the cellular and neural circuit level to trigger neuroplasticity, which is our brain’s ability to rewire itself in ways that lead to long-lasting shifts in our emotional, cognitive and behavioral patterns and abilities. I discuss the emerging clinical trial evidence for the use of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, addictions and other psychiatric challenges. I explain the typical duration and phases of a psilocybin journey, the different categories of dosages often used and I explain the importance of set, setting and support when using psychedelics. I explain which groups of people place themselves at great risk by taking psilocybin as well as groups that could benefit, and I highlight the rapidly changing legal and medical landscape around psilocybin. This episode is a thorough exploration of psilocybin from the scientific and clinical literature perspective and ought to be of interest to anyone curious about psilocybin, mental health, neuroplasticity and/or psychedelics more generally.

#HubermanLab #Science

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Articles
The neural basis of psychedelic action: https://go.nature.com/3VInMlE
The effects of psilocybin and MDMA on between-network resting state functional connectivity in healthy volunteers: https://bit.ly/3VW8iL7
Increased low-frequency brain responses to music after psilocybin therapy for depression: https://bit.ly/3LKj6XK
Quality of Acute Psychedelic Experience Predicts Therapeutic Efficacy of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression: https://bit.ly/42c7y6x
Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal: https://bit.ly/3wEvGRf
Therapeutic use of psilocybin: Practical considerations for dosing and administration: https://bit.ly/3HPHLZM
Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo: https://bit.ly/3HQ8J3z
Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics: https://bit.ly/44Gpwjx
Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression: https://bit.ly/3pjvu9N
Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: https://bit.ly/3sFSGMM
The costs and benefits of psychedelics on cognition and mood: https://bit.ly/3NNyEwI

Other Resources
The Physiological Sigh: https://youtu.be/rBdhqBGqiMc
Dr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelic Medicine: https://hubermanlab.com/dr-matthew-johnson-psychedelic-medicine

Timestamps
00:00:00 Psilocybin, Legal Considerations
00:08:32 Sponsors: Eight Sleep, ROKA, HVMN
00:12:00 Psilocybin Becomes Psilocin in the Gut, Serotonin
00:17:00 The Serotonin 2A Receptor, Therapeutic Outcomes SSRIs vs. Psilocybin
00:21:40 Serotonin Receptor Expression; Visual Hallucinations & Eyes Closed
00:27:21 Safety & Cautions for Specific Patient Populations
00:29:13 Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens)
00:30:28 Psilocybin, “Magic Mushrooms” Dosing, Micro-Dosing, “Heroic Doses”
00:36:21 Psychedelic Journey: Set, Setting & Support
00:43:43 Music & the Psilocybin Journey; Duration of Effects
00:48:58 Psilocybin & the Brain: Subjective Experiences, Perception
00:58:36 Sponsor: LMNT
00:59:48 Brain Networks & Therapeutic Outcomes
01:05:23 Creativity; Music, Emotionality & Psychedelic Journeys
01:12:39 Depression & Psychedelics as Neuroplasticity “Wedge”
01:16:53 Positive Psychedelic Journeys, Unity, “Oceanic Boundlessness”
01:25:23 “Bad Trips”, Anxiety & Physiological Sighs
01:32:57 Therapeutic Use of Psilocybin
01:36:11 Neuroplasticity, Structural Brain Changes & Psilocybin
01:48:08 Psychedelics: Therapeutic Breakthroughs & Depression
01:56:37 Combining Psilocybin Therapy & Talk Therapy, Antidepressant Effects
02:03:11 Psilocybin Experience & Mental Health
02:06:42 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Neural Network Newsletter, Social Media

Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - https://www.blabacphoto.com

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