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Neuroscience-based: How psilocybin alters the neural fingerprint, opening up new therapeutic avenues for depression and CPTBS – including psychotherapy.

How psilocybin temporarily erases your neural self-image and why this can help with complex trauma disorder – new research

Psilocybin alters the brain in a unique way – and that is precisely what makes it so interesting for people who have experienced childhood trauma and suffer from chronic trauma-related disorders.

What it's all about:

·         how the psychoactive molecule psilocybin temporarily alters the structure of the brain,

·         the role played by the so-called neural fingerprint pattern in this process, and

·         why exactly this effect – in combination with psychotherapy – could help people with CPTBS (complex post-traumatic stress disorder).

The latest research findings suggest that psilocybin is much more than a hallucinogen. For many patients, it means new hope, new perspectives and new ways out of old patterns.

Psilocybin: Introduction

What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in certain types of mushrooms. Chemically, psilocybin belongs to a specific group of substances. These substances are characterised by the following properties, among others:

·         Psilocybin belongs to the tryptamine family.

·         In the body, it is converted into psilocin, which triggers the psychological effects.

The effects of psilocybin can profoundly alter human experience and lead to altered states of consciousness.

Five surprising scientific facts about magic mushrooms and psilocybin

·         Psilocybin can promote neurogenesis, which means that it can stimulate the formation of new neurons in the brain.

·         Studies show that psilocybin can help treat trauma by facilitating the processing of traumatic memories.

·         Research has found that psilocybin can improve communication between different areas of the brain, which can lead to desynchronisation.

·         Psilocybin has the potential to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, even after just one dose.

·         Some users report profound spiritual experiences that positively influence their perspective on life and mental health.

History and use of psilocybin

The use of psilocybin has a long history dating back to ancient cultures that used mushrooms in spiritual and ritual contexts. Generations of medical professionals who considered the fundamental principles of psychiatry viewed psilocybin as a pure intoxicant for a long time, but in recent decades, interest in the potential therapeutic applications of psilocybin, including psychotherapy, has grown again. Scientists and doctors are now investigating how psilocybin can be used to treat various mental disorders.

The role of psilocybin in neuroscience

Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, has become increasingly important in neuroscience. Studies show that psilocybin not only improves mental well-being, but can also be used effectively in the treatment of depression and other mental disorders.

Fundamental thoughts

Medical professionals are increasingly recognising the importance of natural substances such as psilocybin in the treatment of mental illness. This includes child and adolescent psychiatry and its use in psychotherapy.

Research on psilocybin is showing promising results and could lead to new treatment methods for both outpatient and inpatient care. Science is evolving, and with it, the ways in which we can address mental disorders.

Scientific basis for the effects of psilocybin

Scientific research has shown that psilocybin influences the activity of certain regions of the brain, particularly the default mode network (DMN), which is associated with self-reflection and thinking. University studies have shown that psilocybin can alter connectivity within the brain, which can lead to new perspectives and insights. In patients with depression or anxiety disorders, this could help break rigid thought patterns and enable new treatment approaches, including the use of mushrooms. The goal is to reduce symptoms and improve mental health.

The neural fingerprint pattern

What are neural fingerprint patterns?

Neural fingerprint patterns refer to the unique, individual connectivity patterns in each person's brain. These patterns, which can be made visible through scientific research, reflect our personal experiences, memories and habits. They are like a kind of "neural self-image" that shapes the way we think, feel and experience. University research shows that these patterns can often be very rigid and inflexible in patients with mental disorders.

The role of the neural self-image in the brain

The neural self-image plays a crucial role in our identity and behaviour. It influences how we perceive the world, how we react to situations and how we form relationships. In patients with complex trauma disorder (CPTSD), this neural self-image can be severely distorted by traumatic experiences. This often leads to chronic negative thought patterns, emotional instability and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Mental suffering is often associated with this.

How psilocybin influences neural patterns

Psilocybin, the psychoactive substance in mushrooms, has the potential to temporarily break these entrenched neural patterns. Studies show that psilocybin reduces the activity of the default mode network (DMN), a brain network closely linked to self-reference. This allows the brain to form new connections and respond more flexibly to stimuli. Including psychotherapy, which has adopted the basic approaches to treating mental illness from generations of medical professionals, this may be an opportunity for change. Generations of medical professionals who have considered the fundamental ideas of psychiatry have considered this. It is clinically promising for many patients with depression. Symptoms can be improved.

Psilocybin and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTBS)

What is complex trauma disorder?

Complex trauma disorder (CPTSD) is a mental disorder that develops as a result of repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences, often in childhood, and has shaped the fundamental thinking of generations of medical professionals on the treatment of mental illness. Unlike post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be triggered by a single traumatic event, CPTSD is caused by chronic trauma, such as prolonged abuse, neglect or domestic violence. The symptoms are complex and affect every aspect of the person's life. University research is increasingly focusing on this topic.

Symptoms and challenges of CPTBS

Symptoms of CPTSD include difficulties regulating emotions, a negative self-image, relationship problems and a chronic feeling of emptiness, which can be better treated by generations of medical professionals using fundamental therapeutic approaches. Patients with CPTSD often struggle with intense feelings of guilt and shame, have difficulty trusting other people, and suffer from dissociative symptoms. These challenges make effective treatment difficult, as traditional therapeutic approaches are often insufficient. Child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy attempt to address these issues, often with lengthy processes.

How psilocybin can help with CPTBS

Psilocybin could open up new avenues in the treatment of CPTSD. By temporarily altering neural patterns in the brain, psilocybin may enable patients to break out of entrenched thought patterns and emotional responses. The psychiatric effects of psilocybin, including psychotherapy, can help patients re-evaluate traumatic memories and develop greater emotional distance from traumatic experiences. Generations of medical professionals have long neglected this area, but now there is renewed hope that generations of medical professionals will re-evaluate the basic ideas for treatment in combination with psychotherapy.

Current research findings

Latest studies on psilocybin and CPTBS

Current scientific studies are investigating the effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy for CPTSD. These studies focus on how psilocybin, in combination with psychotherapy, can help patients reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life. University research shows promising results, particularly in terms of reducing anxiety, depression and dissociative symptoms. The aim of clinical studies investigating the effects of mushrooms on various mental illnesses is to establish new treatment methods.

Results and their significance for therapy

The results so far suggest that psilocybin has the potential to bring about profound changes in the experience of patients with CPTSD. By temporarily dissolving rigid neural patterns, patients can gain new perspectives and develop healthier coping strategies. These findings could form the basis for innovative therapeutic approaches tailored specifically to the needs of people with CPTSD. I am here to help you understand these results.

Future research directions

Future research will focus on investigating the long-term effects of mushrooms on mental health. Psilocybin-assisted therapy for CPTSD will be investigated and the optimal dosages and therapy protocols will be determined. It is important to understand the nature of the chemical substance. Studies will also be conducted to understand the specific mechanisms by which psilocybin works in the brain and to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from this type of treatment.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about psilocybin and the brain

What does psilocybin do to the brain?
Psilocybin affects activity and connectivity in the brain, particularly in the default mode network (DMN). It enhances communication between brain regions that otherwise tend to work in isolation, while suppressing rigid self-referential systems. This creates a state of increased neuroplasticity.

Does psilocybin cause brain damage?
No. Studies to date show no evidence of structural brain damage caused by psilocybin. On the contrary, the substance promotes short-term flexibility of neural connections and can even have a healing effect in appropriate contexts.

Does psilocybin influence neuroplasticity?
Yes. Psilocybin increases neural plasticity – the brain's ability to reorganise itself. This affects both synaptic connections and functional network structures. For mentally distressed patients, this can pave the way for new learning and healing processes.

Which receptors does psilocybin affect?
Psilocybin primarily acts on the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A), a central switching point in the serotonergic system. This binding explains many of the subjective changes in experience and the neurobiological effects of the substance.

Has anyone ever experienced this as a permanent state without interruption?
Psilocybin-induced states of consciousness are always temporary. A prolonged "trip" would not be medically normal and could indicate another disorder. The therapeutic goal is not permanent change, but rather a targeted opening for new approaches in the psychotherapeutic process.

Glossary of key terms

Default Mode Network (DMN): A network of brain regions that is active when a person is at rest and thinking about themselves. Overactivity of the DMN is associated with depression and trauma-related disorders.

Neural fingerprint: The unique, individually stable connectivity structure of the brain – comparable to a biometric fingerprint at the functional level.

Connectivity structure: In neuroscience, this refers to the specific way in which different regions of the brain are functionally or structurally connected to each other.

This structure results from the frequency, strength and direction of signal transmission between brain areas and forms a kind of "network architecture" of the brain.

A distinction is made between:

• Structural connectivity: physical connections such as nerve pathways and white matter (e.g. measured using diffusion tensor imaging).

• Functional connectivity: synchronous activity patterns between brain regions that are not necessarily directly connected to each other (e.g. measured using fMRI).

The individual connectivity structure is relatively stable and is therefore also referred to as a neural fingerprint. It influences how a person processes information, regulates emotions and experiences themselves. Mental disorders such as depression or CPTBS often show rigid, one-sided connectivity patterns.

Neuroplasticity: The ability of the brain to change structurally and functionally through new experiences.

Psilocybin: A naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid found in certain types of mushrooms that acts on the 5-HT2A receptor after being converted into psilocin.

5-HT2A receptor: A specific serotonin receptor that plays a central role in perception, cognition and emotional processes – and is the main target of psilocybin.

Integration: The therapeutic process of processing and integrating psychedelic experiences into one's personal experience – a central component of any psilocybin-based therapy.

Hyperconnectivity: A state of increased global communication in the brain in which previously separate areas interact with each other – characteristic of the effects of psilocybin.

Tryptamines: A group of compounds with structural similarities to serotonin. Psilocybin is one of the psychoactive tryptamines.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTBD): A complex mental disorder that stems from long-term trauma and manifests itself in profound changes in self-image, emotions and relationship patterns.

Functional imaging: A neuroscientific method (e.g. fMRI) used to visualise patterns of activity in the brain during cognitive or emotional processes.

Symptomatology: The totality of symptoms of a disorder or disease.

Magic mushrooms: Colloquial term for psilocybin-containing mushrooms that are used ritually and therapeutically.

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