Is psilocybin an effective antidepressant and what is its mechanism of action?
Psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms," has shown promise as an effective antidepressant in clinical trials, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder. Its mechanism of action is thought to involve a combination of serotonin receptor activation, neural plasticity, altered brain network connectivity, and psychological factors. However, further research is needed to optimize dosing, treatment duration, and therapeutic settings, as well as to fully understand its long-term safety and efficacy.