Magic mushrooms: can they treat mental health disorders?
THE USE OF MUSHROOMS IN THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
Dr Hayley Tomes, science communicator, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town
Tuesday, 28 January 9.15 am COURSE FEES R110; Staff and Students R55
This lecture is part of the Neuroscience Institute’s series of five lectures.
This lecture will delve into the fascinating history and contemporary science surrounding psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Psilocybin has been used for centuries in traditional healing ceremonies by indigenous cultures, but its discovery in the ‘modern, Western’ world dates back to the mid-twentieth century when researchers first began investigating its potential benefits and effects. An overview of the latest scientific evidence of psilocybin’s therapeutic potential will be discussed in this lecture. Recent studies have demonstrated promising results in treating various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance use disorders, but are these treatment avenues worth pursuing? The lecture will examine the brain mechanisms by which psilocybin is known to induce its effects, particularly its ability to promote neuroplasticity, or to grow new neural pathways. The way studies of this nature are conducted in humans will be discussed, such as how to address the issue of a placebo control, as people are usually aware of ingesting a psychoactive substance.
Recommended reading
Pollan, M. 2018. How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. United States: Penguin Publishing Group.
Health professionals can earn CPD points for this course.