Magic mushroom compound increases brain connectivity in people with depression

by Simon Levey, Ryan O'Hare

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The effect seen with psilocybin is consistent across two studies, related to people getting better, and was not seen with a conventional antidepressant.

Cai

Molecular Bioengineering undergraduate

Both trials found improvements with psilocybin therapy, as measured by improved participant scores on clinical questionnaires. Analysis of the brain scans revealed altered communication or connectivity between brain regions.

More specifically, they found an increase in communication between those brain regions that are more segregated in depressed patients.

These are the findings of a new analysis of brain scans from close to 60 people receiving treatment for depression, led by Imperial College London's Centre for Psychedelic Research. The team behind the study believes it may have untangled how psilocybin exerts its therapeutic effects on the brain.

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Simon Levey

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Simon Levey

Communications Division

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Simon Levey

Communications Division

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