3Schools
The Power of Psilocybin Mushrooms: Breaking Free from Mental Patterns
In the world of mental health, there’s a new ingredient that’s causing quite a stir. It’s not your typical medication or therapy, but rather a natural substance found in psilocybin mushrooms. And researchers are exploring its potential to break free from the grip of rigid mental patterns that often lead to treatment-resistant disorders.
A recent pilot study, published in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies, has uncovered some promising evidence. It suggests that when administered in a group retreat setting, psilocybin has the ability to enhance psychological flexibility. This means being fully present in the moment and having the ability to respond to stimuli in ways that align with your values.
The study, titled “A Pilot Study of the Effect of Group-Administered Psilocybin on Psychological Flexibility and Outcomes,” was conducted by Brian Pilecki, Jason Luoma, and Kati M. Lear. And according to Pilecki, this type of research is long overdue.
“I think group-based psilocybin administration is under-studied and has significant value in producing therapeutic change,” Pilecki, a study author from Portland Psychotherapy, told PsyPost. “I also am interested in using psychological flexibility as a way to understand how psychedelics exert their effects and lead to improvements in health and well-being.”
The study involved nine participants, ranging in age from 41 to 68, with a mix of full-time and part-time employment. Some participants also reported having a regular meditation practice, while others did not.
Data was collected through a series of assessments at three intervals: one week before the retreat, two weeks after the retreat, and six months later. These assessments used standardized questionnaires to measure psychological flexibility, cognitive fusion, values-driven behavior, self-compassion, emotional expressivity, and general well-being.
Interestingly, when asked about their highest dose psilocybin session during the retreat, participants reported taking between five and 12 grams of dried, homogenized mushrooms. This means that all participants experienced at least one “heroic” psilocybin session with a dose of at least 5 grams.
But the study didn’t just record any changes in psychological flexibility. Instead, it focused on quantifiable changes in specific facets of psychological flexibility.
“This study is significant in that it is the first to quantitatively document changes in psychological flexibility facets after psychedelic experiences rather than only more general changes in psychological flexibility,” the study states. “Understanding processes of change involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy is important in informing how psychotherapy can support psychedelic experiences.”
In other words, this study is just the beginning. With further research, we may be able to better understand how to support and enhance the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. And who knows, it may just revolutionize the way we approach mental health treatment.
