From: hubermanlab
In recent years, psilocybin, the active hallucinogenic compound derived from certain mushrooms, has garnered significant attention within the scientific community for its potential therapeutic effects. Notable research has explored its use, primarily focusing on the treatment of mental health disorders like depression and various compulsive conditions such as OCD. Andrew Huberman’s insightful podcast expounds on the latest findings from clinical studies related to psilocybin and its dosages.
Psilocybin in Clinical Studies
Research into psilocybin has intensified since the FDA designated psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy” in 2018 for treatment-resistant depression. Biological mechanisms Prior to this, studies had already indicated its profound potential. Clinical trials often involve carefully structured environments and dosages to maximize therapeutic outcomes while ensuring participant safety.
Dosage and Administration
Psilocybin is used in both natural and synthetic forms in studies, allowing researchers to precisely control its dosage. The standard approach involves administering psilocybin in one or two sessions with varying doses depending on the specific study parameters.
Typical Dosage Levels
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Microdosing: This involves administering about 1 to 3 milligrams of psilocybin in repeated sessions, often daily, over extended periods. It parallels the anecdotal use patterns seen outside clinical settings but is typically a more structured and studied approach differentiating microdosing and macrodosing [00:30:34].
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Controlled Dosing: This generally includes administering higher doses such as 10 milligrams, 25 milligrams, or, at times, as high as 30 milligrams in one or two sessions spaced weeks apart [00:32:04].
Translation from Mushrooms to Psilocybin
For those exploring natural forms, the typical magic mushroom contains about 1% psilocybin by weight. Therefore, a gram of dried mushrooms would roughly equate to 10 milligrams of pure psilocybin. Understanding this conversion is crucial for managing expectations and doses in both clinical and, where lawful, regulated settings [00:32:52].
Findings from Clinical Trials
Depression and Mental Health
Clinical findings suggest remarkable benefits of psilocybin for treating major depression. High-dose sessions (25-30 milligrams) have shown an exceptional ability to alleviate depressive symptoms compared to traditional antidepressants and even some forms of therapy experimental treatments.
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Single-Dose Study: A striking study featured in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that a single 25-milligram dose of psilocybin significantly mitigated depression in treatment-resistant cases three weeks after ingestion, outperforming both placebo and a lower 10-milligram dose therapeutic benefits [01:52:25].
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Multi-Dose Studies: Most compellingly, two-session protocols using 25 to 30 milligrams can yield relief in about 60% to 75% of participants, an outcome that substantially outpaces many standard treatments in terms of efficacy and speed of action [01:58:15].
Safety and Adverse Events
While the therapeutic potential of psilocybin is promising, it is associated with some adverse effects. Higher doses correlate with increased occurrence of adverse events, such as headaches and transient anxiety. Nevertheless, when administered under controlled conditions with appropriate psychological support, the safety profile remains comparable to, or better than, some existing treatments [01:54:26].
Conclusion
The enthusiasm around psilocybin for mental health interventions is backed by rigorous scientific inquiry. With ongoing research, psilocybin could provide a valuable therapeutic option for refractory depression and other psychiatric conditions improving mental health. However, due care must be taken in clinical settings to optimize conditions for maximum benefit and safety. As research progresses, psilocybin’s legal status and therapeutic potential are likely to evolve in tandem, opening avenues for broader clinical applications.