New study reveals distinct effects of escitalopram (Lexapro) and psilocybin on brain responses to emotions, highlighting the unique approaches of these treatments in addressing depression.

The 5-HT2A receptor is the key player in the mechanism of action of classical psychedelics, such as psilocybin. Source: Wikipedia

Read this fascinating article here.

Here are the salient conclusions, but it’s worth reading the whole article.

In conclusion, the study findings indicate that escitalopram and psilocybin therapy have different effects on our brains and emotions. Escitalopram, being an SSRI, reduces the brain’s responsiveness to emotions. This decrease in responsiveness is believed to be linked to the activation of inhibitory 5-HT1A receptors in the emotional regions of the brain. As a result, individuals taking SSRIs may experience emotional blunting and a loss of sexual function.

In contrast, psilocybin therapy, unlike traditional antidepressants, does not suppress our emotions or make us less sensitive to them. Psilocybin directly activates a different set of serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor subtype. These receptors are associated with something called neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt. Psilocybin therapy encourages emotional release and facilitates a reconnection with our feelings. This aspect is considered crucial in how psilocybin therapy works to improve depression symptoms. Previous research has shown that psilocybin therapy enhances the brain’s functional integrity and flexibility, which are important factors for our mental well-being.

Claudia forwarded this to me with the note, “Pass this on to your people!” Well, here we are.

It all looks pretty interesting. The video has a number of different scenes from “Fantastic Fungi,” and worth a watch.

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From the Gizmodo Website:

Some researchers have been studying the potential mental health benefits of psychedelic substances like psilocybin since the 1970s. But it’s only in recent years that health authorities and governments have been more permissive of this research, following decades of harsh regulations.

Large-scale research into this field is still fairly new, but health regulators have signaled their willingness to consider these and similar drugs for formal approval. In 2019, a nasal spray formulation of the sometimes club drug ketamine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. That same year, the FDA granted a breakthrough therapy designation to a non-profit company attempting to develop psilocybin as a depression treatment, which is meant to speed up the review process. States and cities have also begun to decriminalizepsilocybin in general or for medicinal purposes.

Animal and clinical trial results of psilocybin-assisted therapy have been promising for depression and other conditions, including alcohol use disorder. But there’s still much we don’t understand about how these kinds of drugs are helping people with these ailments. This new research, published Monday in Nature Medicine, looks to add some insight.

Read the whole story here.