Fungi are one of the main natural sources of psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin. Research suggests that psychedelics may have positive health effects on those suffering from both chronic mental and physical illnesses.

Mushrooms in Medicine

Psilocybin is a 5HT-2A (serotonin 2A) receptor agonist, which seems to play a role in both the hallucinogenic and therapeutic impacts. Studies in treatment-resistant depression patients show increased functional connectivity during emotional processing tasks, particularly in the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. This is similar to the neural plasticity induced by psychedelics in general. 

All of these processes/regions have been implicated in the antidepressant action of typical antidepressants like SSRIs, which may explain why psilocybin has observed antidepressant properties.

Therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin

Psychedelics, in particular LSD and psilocybin, have been investigated as potential treatments for depressive symptoms. There is evidence for short-, medium-, and long-term usefulness in both micro-dosing and regular studies. In addition to the potential cognitive stimulation (LSD) or emotional well-being effects (psilocybin), these treatments are generally well-tolerated in clinical and general populations. In addition, MDMA has received breakthrough treatment status with the FDA for the treatment of PTSD.

Potential clinical uses for psychedelics

The study of the use of extracts and compounds obtained from mushrooms as medicines or health-promoting agents. Mycotherapy, also known as fungal or mushroom therapy, is a branch of natural medicine exploring the therapeutic properties and potential health benefits of various mushrooms. The practice of using mushrooms for medicinal purposes has been observed in different cultures throughout history, and it continues to gain recognition and scientific interest in modern times.

Michigan State University

Cleveland State University

The study of the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior.

Psychopharmacology 

- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Physiological Approaches
- Combination Approaches
- Telepsychiatry
 - Virtual Reality (VR) Intervention
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) 
- Neurosurgery
- Psychological Intervention
- Mind-Body Intervention
Nutraceuticals
- Psychobiotics
- Trauma-Informed Mindfulness 
- Integrative Psychotherapy 

Treatment Methods Used in Health Psychology

Popović V, Živković J, Davidović S, Stevanović M, Stojković D. Mycotherapy of cancer: an update on cytotoxic and antitumor activities of mushrooms, bioactive principles and molecular mechanisms of their action. Curr Top Med Chem. 2013;13(21):2791-806. doi: 10.2174/15680266113136660198. PMID: 24083788.

Mycotherapy of cancer: an update on cytotoxic and antitumor activities of mushrooms, bioactive principles and molecular mechanisms of their action

Psychopharmacology Library

Microdosing is the administration of a psychedelic drug/medication at one-tenth of the dose that would cause hallucinogenic effects.

Microdosing

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs used to treat conditions like depression, which is often associated with low serotonin levels. Unlike agonists or antagonists that bind to receptors, SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake process. This action prevents unused serotonin from being reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron, allowing it to remain in the synaptic cleft for a longer period. The extended presence of serotonin enhances its interaction with postsynaptic receptors, thereby strengthening its overall effect. Common examples of SSRIs include Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

SSRIs and SNRIs

A class of drugs that typically alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia. (Also called neuroleptics)

- The Dopamine Hypothesis

- Typical Antipsychotics

- Long-Term Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs

- Atypical Antipsychotics

- The Glutamate Hypothesis

Antipsychotic Drugs

Tricyclic (or heterocyclic) antidepressants inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and/or norepinephrine, and are thus called due to their three (or more)-ring chemical structure. Some examples include:

- Amitriptyline (Elavil) 
- Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
- Maprotiline hydrochloride (Ludiomil)
- Desipramine hydrochloride (Norpramin)
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)

A similar drug is Bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is an aminoketone that weakly blocks norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine reuptake.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. Some MAOIs have antidepressant effects, including:

- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Psychoplastogens class of compounds that take effect on neural plasticity in key circuits involved in brain health. Psychoplastogens include psychadelics, and produce a quantifiable change in plasticity within a short time frame (>72 h) post administration.

Psychoplastogens 

Mycotherapy

Medications that have Anticholinergic effects are associated with central and peripheral side effects. These include constipation, confusion, sedation, and dry mouth. Increased Anticholinergic exposure increases adverse risks.

Anticholinergic Medicines

Psychomotor stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines, are a primary treatment for narcolepsy. These medications function by increasing overall levels of neural activity to combat daytime sleepiness. Examples include modafinil, armodafinil, and various amphetamines.

Stimulants for Narcolepsy

Pharmacotherapy is therapy using pharmaceutical drugs, as distinguished from therapy using surgery, radiation, and movement. 

Pharmacotherapy

The use of information and communication technology as means to deliver psychiatric services remotely. It may include videoconferencing, phone-based applications, asynchronous services, etc. In telepsychiatry, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, and nurses collaborate with psychiatrists.


Telepsychiatry

VR interventions are utilized for clinical & practical purposes, interventions cover a wide array of areas. Research suggests VR interventions compare favorable to existing treatment. 

VR interventions

Neurosurgery is a term used to refer to surgical procedures involving the nervous system. Some specific surgeries of this type are able to treat psychological illnesses.

Neurosurgery

Psychological intervention is defined as a relationship aimed at promoting a better adaptation of the individual to a given situation and thereby optimizing his or her personal resources in relation to autonomy, self-knowledge and self-help 

Psychological Intervention

Mind-body interventions are health and fitness interventions that are intended to work on a physical and mental level such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, meditation, and yoga.

Mind-Body Intervention

References for treatment methods used in health psychology go here. 

Treatment Methods Used in Health Psychology References

Psychobiotics are beneficial bacteria (probiotics) or support for such bacteria (prebiotics) that influence bactera-brain relationships and have great therapeutic potential for the treatment of psychiatric diseases. 

Psychobiotics 

Trauma-informed mindfulness is a mindfulness practice paired with trauma specific psychoeducation to facilitate awareness of and exposure to conditioned trauma responses, without avoidance or reactivity to those experiences. 

Trauma-Informed Mindfulness 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy centered on helping clients examine and change the relationship between their thoughts and their behaviors. The primary goal is to identify and modify cognitive distortions and self-defeating actions, thereby changing not only how individuals think but also how they act in response to various situations.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a biologically based treatment for severe mental disorders, particularly severe depression that has not responded to drug therapy. The procedure involves using an electrical current to induce seizures, which helps alleviate symptoms. While the exact mechanism of action is not understood, ECT has a high success rate, with about 85% of patients showing improvement. However, due to significant side effects like memory loss associated with repeated treatments, it is typically implemented as a last resort.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

In the context of addiction treatment, behavioral therapy plays a crucial role in motivating individuals to engage with their treatment program. It also equips them with practical strategies for managing cravings and preventing relapse.

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