How Psilocybin Can Rewire Our Brain, Its Therapeutic Benefits & Its Risks

Video Description

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 Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman HVMN: https://hvmn.com code: “Huberman” LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Social & Website Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Twitter: https://twitter.com/hubermanlab Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-huberman Website: https://hubermanlab.com Newsletter: https://hubermanlab.com/neural-network 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 Disclaimer: https://hubermanlab.com/disclaimer