Magic mushrooms for anxiety - does it work?

Recently, more and more people have begun to realise the potential benefits of magic mushrooms in treating anxiety. According to research, these psychedelic mushrooms can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve mental wellbeing with minimal side effects. Anecdotal reports also recommend microdosing mushrooms to increase creativity, energy and focus, while making it easier to cope with stress.

Is there any scientific evidence for these claims, or are they too good to be true? Let's take a closer look.

Highlights

• Magic mushrooms can reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms and improve mental wellbeing.
• Microdosing mushrooms can increase creativity, energy and focus, while making it easier to cope with stress.
• Before using magic mushrooms, all laws and regulations regarding the use and possession of psychedelics in your region must be thoroughly researched and followed.

Magic mushrooms and the brain

Magic mushrooms contain a substance called psilocybin. In moderate to high doses, psilocybin causes psychedelic effects, including altered sensory perception, visual distortion and heightened emotions. It also appears to produce antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects that may persist for some time after ingestion.

Psilocybin produces these effects because it has a similar molecular structure to serotonin. This neurotransmitter has various key functions in the body, including regulating mood and the stress response.

There are many cellular receptors in the serotonin system and psilocybin binds to three of them. Primarily, it affects 5HT2A receptors, but it also affects 5HT1A and 5HT2C receptors. Interestingly, the latter two appear to regulate anxiety behaviour, which partly explains the anti-anxiety effects of psilocybin.

Furthermore, it appears that magic mushrooms can help treat anxiety by improving neuroplasticity. This term describes the brain's ability to change the structure and function of neurons (nerve cells).

Ultimately, experts believe that psilocybin reduces activity in a system known as the default network (DMN). The DMN activates when we are dreaming, thinking about the past or future and reflecting on ourselves. When it becomes overactive, the DMN can cause problems such as over-analysis, which often leads to dissatisfaction.

Research into magic mushrooms for the ailment

Research on psychedelics stopped in the 1970s with their inclusion in the Controlled Substances Act. Therefore, there is little research into whether magic mushrooms can help treat depression, anxiety, migraines or other illnesses.

However, the limited clinical evidence that exists is promising. In 2017, a review for The Mental Health Clinician involving studies of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, anxiety, OCD and addiction showed that the results were mainly positive, although the studies themselves were small, requiring further research.

In addition, a 2017 article in Harm Reduction Journal showed that psychedelics can alleviate and reduce the frequency of migraines and cluster headaches. These findings are significant because these debilitating disorders are often resistant to conventional treatments, causing desperation in those who suffer from them.

Can Magic Mushrooms Cure Anxiety?

In the medical world, the word 'treatment' is dangerous. It implies a full resolution of symptoms, and there are very few conditions where this is realistically possible. In many cases, the best that treatment can do is to reduce the patient's symptoms enough so that they can live a full life. Anxiety is a prime example of this.

In a controlled, therapeutic environment, taking psychedelics can potentially help. However, it is important to exercise caution when using anti-anxiety medication and magic mushrooms at the same time.

Among the most common anti-anxiety drugs are antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). As both SSRIs and psilocybin interact with the serotonin system, drug interactions are possible.

Anyone who is interested in using psychedelics to treat anxiety and is also taking antidepressants should consult their doctor for further advice.

Can magic mushrooms cause anxiety?

The relationship between magic mushrooms and anxiety is complex. Psychedelics tend to enhance the mood of the person taking them. Therefore, taking magic mushrooms in a state of anxiety can potentially worsen the situation.

Although the increase in anxiety is likely to be temporary, it can make the experience unpleasant. Therefore, it is important to prepare well for the psychedelic journey, including developing a positive attitude before consumption.

It may be possible to reduce the likelihood of anxiety when taking mushrooms by reducing the dose. In 2016, a study on psilocybin for patients with cancer, anxiety and depression demonstrated this phenomenon.

The study authors compared low doses of psilocybin of 1 mg or 3 mg per 70 kg of body weight with higher doses of 22 mg or 30 mg per 70 kg. They found that high doses induced anxiety in 26% of participants, but low doses in only 15%. Lower doses also significantly reduced the occurrence of physical and psychological discomfort.

To increase the benefits of psilocybin and minimise side effects, the practice of microdosing magic mushrooms has become more common.

Is microdosing magic mushrooms an effective treatment?

Microdosing magic mushrooms involves taking very low doses of the substance so that its psychoactive effects are barely noticeable. Anecdotal reports suggest that microdosing psilocybin may have the following benefits:

• Increase energy and focus
• Increased creativity
• Improving interpersonal skills
• Increasing spiritual awareness
• Low risk of side effects

Microdosing psychedelics helps to induce flow states, increase performance and encourage original thinking. However, it is important to understand that there are currently few clinical studies that support these claims.

It is also important for anyone wishing to microdose magic mushrooms to familiarise themselves with local laws and regulations. Psychedelics are still largely illegal, and it is the responsibility of readers to understand the specific regulations in their region.

Want to try microdosing? Here's how to get started with mushrooms

1. Prepare the mushrooms

The easiest way to microdose dried magic mushrooms. There are several ways to dry mushrooms, but the most effective is to use a drying machine.

If this is not possible, spread the mushrooms out on baking paper on a griddle and dry them in the oven.

Set the oven to its lowest temperature, using a wooden spoon to keep the door open and allow air to circulate. Periodically check the mushrooms until they are dry (this can take several hours).

It doesn't matter whether you use an oven or a tumble dryer, the mushrooms need to be completely dry, which means that they break easily under pressure. This step is important because if moisture remains in the mushrooms, they will be susceptible to mould.

Once thoroughly dried, grind the dried mushrooms into a powder and store in a cool, dark and dry place.

2. Determine dosage

The exact amount that constitutes a microdose will vary from person to person. A good starting point is usually 0.1 grams. In comparison, the threshold for magic mushrooms is around 0.2-0.5 grams. A moderate dose is around 1-2.5 grams.

Gradually increase the dose until slight effects, such as drowsiness, appear. Then reduce the amount slightly to get the right microdose.

3. Prepare a micro-dose

Many people prefer to use their mushroom powder to fill empty capsules for microdosing. This method makes it easier to consume and masks the mushroom taste, which can be unpleasant.

However, it is also possible to mix the powder with food or drink, preferably at the start of the day.

4. Schedule

It is not recommended to microdose magic mushrooms daily. Doing so can lead to tolerance, in which higher and higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects.

There are different methods of scheduling fungal microdosing. One method involves dosing for four days and then taking three days off before repeating. Another recommends dosing on day 1, missing two days and then dosing again on day 4.

As people often still feel the effects of microdosing the next day, the latter technique may be preferable.

Summary

Microdosing magic mushrooms can be a fascinating experience, but care must be taken and rules must be followed. Preparing the dried mushrooms, determining the dosage and scheduling the microdosing are key aspects of the process.

Final conclusions on magic mushrooms in the treatment of anxiety

Magic mushrooms are being investigated as a potential treatment for anxiety. Early research suggests that magic mushrooms may alleviate some symptoms of anxiety. However, we still have much to learn about their efficacy and safety.

Magic mushrooms have a tendency to amplify emotions, so they are best used under supervision. This is particularly important for those suffering from psychosis, schizophrenia or severe anxiety.

A psychological assessment is recommended before using magic mushrooms to treat anxiety, and it is only advisable to continue therapy if it is safe and legal to do so.

In clinical trials, microdoses of dried psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin have been found to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression.

It is important to remember that magic mushrooms are a controversial substance and that their legality and safety depends on the country and the state of the law.

Overall, magic mushrooms are being investigated as a potential treatment for anxiety, but further research is still needed to determine their efficacy and safety.

Frequently asked questions

What are the potential benefits of psychedelic therapy in the treatment of anxiety?

Research suggests that hallucinogenic mushrooms may help treat anxiety disorders. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, acts on the serotonin receptor in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Patients who participated in the study reported improved mood and reduced anxiety symptoms after psilocybin therapy.

Is there any research to support the effectiveness of hallucinogenic mushrooms in the treatment of mental disorders?

There are studies that suggest that hallucinogenic mushrooms may have therapeutic benefits in the treatment of some psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders. However, further research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety.

What are the possible risks associated with the use of magic mushrooms for therapeutic purposes?

The use of hallucinogenic mushrooms for therapeutic purposes may involve certain risks, such as unpleasant tripping sensations, motor coordination problems, disorientation and even psychological trauma. There are also potential health risks, such as an increased risk of heart disease and mental illness in people with a predisposition to these conditions.

Can psychedelic mushrooms affect neurogenesis and cognition?

Research suggests that psilocybin may affect neurogenesis, the process of creating new neurons in the brain, which may have benefits for cognitive ability. However, further research is needed to confirm this effect.

What doses of hallucinogenic mushrooms are considered for the treatment of anxiety disorders?

The doses of hallucinogenic mushrooms used in the context of therapy are usually low, typically between 0.1 and 0.5 grams of dried mushrooms. Patients are monitored by experienced therapists to ensure that doses are safe and effective.

How are magic mushrooms used in a therapeutic context and what are the legal aspects?

Hallucinogenic mushrooms are usually administered in the context of therapy under the supervision of experienced therapists. Patients are monitored during therapy and therapists help them through the trippy experience. The legal aspects of hallucinogenic mushroom use vary from country to country and state to state. In some places hallucinogenic mushrooms are completely legal, while in others they are completely prohibited.

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