Emotions and brain function are altered up to one month after a single high dose of psilocybin

It all begins with A recent study explored the long-term effects of psilocybin on the brain and emotions, revealing some intriguing results. In 12 healthy volunteers, a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced negative emotions and anxiety, with the amygdala—the brain’s fear center—showing a marked decrease in response to bad stimuli a week after dosing. While some effects faded after a month, participants still experienced lower trait anxiety and an uptick in positive feelings, alongside increased brain connectivity. These findings suggest that psilocybin could boost emotional and brain plasticity, offering potential for long-term mood enhancement. However, with a small sample size and the need for more diverse studies, further research is essential to fully understand psilocybin's therapeutic potential.