Psychedelic Treatment for OCD and Anxiety Disorders
The use of psychedelics, such as psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms), has been the subject
of growing interest in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including OCD and
anxiety. Research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for these conditions
has been ongoing, and while there is promising evidence, it's essential to note that the field is
still evolving, and further research is needed.
Current research studies include Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness
Research and the Program for Psychedelic Science at the Yale School of Medicine.
Psilocybin has shown promise in early studies for reducing symptoms of OCD and anxiety.
These studies often involve controlled, supervised, and therapeutic sessions with trained
professionals.Psilocybin is believed to work by altering perception, promoting emotional
processing, and facilitating a sense of interconnectedness.
Promising early research has spurred a growing number of clinical trials to investigate the safety and efficacy of psychedelics for OCD
and anxiety. These trials often employ a structured approach, including multiple therapy
sessions before, during, and after the psychedelic experience.
Safety is a primary concern, and the administration of psychedelics in therapeutic settings
involves careful screening, preparation, and integration to minimize potential risks. Trained
therapists and professionals play a vital role in guiding individuals through the experience and
helping them process their thoughts and emotions. Psychedelic therapy is not solely about the
substance itself but the combination of the substance, therapeutic support, and integration of
the experience into an individual's life.
Always consult the latest scientific literature and work with healthcare professionals who are
experienced in this area for the most up-to-date information and guidance on the potential use
of psychedelics for OCD and anxiety. Additionally, be aware of and comply with local laws and
regulations regarding the use of these substances. In the state of Colorado, where Kairos
Wellness Collective is located, we have recently had a decriminalization of psilocybin through
Proposition 122. While it is still illegal to sell Psilocybin, it is legal to gift it and to share during a
mutual ceremony.
How do Psychedelics affect the brain?
Psychedelics are a class of substances that profoundly alter perception, mood, and various
cognitive processes. They can affect the brain in complex ways, primarily by interacting with the
brain's serotonin system. The exact mechanisms and effects can vary depending on the specific
psychedelic substance.
Most psychedelics, including psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms), LSD, and DMT, interact
with serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in
regulating mood, perception, and various cognitive functions.
Psychedelics typically bind to serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which are particularly
abundant in the cortex, a part of the brain associated with higher-order thinking.
Psychedelics can lead to perceptual changes, including visual distortions, intensified colors, and
the perception of patterns or connections between unrelated things. This is often referred to as
"hallucinogenic" or "psychedelic" effects.
Many individuals report that psychedelics can induce intense emotional experiences, which can
range from euphoria and feelings of interconnectedness to anxiety and fear.
The emotional experience of psychedelics is often highly influenced by the individual's
mindset and the setting in which they take the substance. For this reason, it is incredibly
important for someone with OCD and anxiety disorders to take these substances in a
safe, therapeutic setting.
Psychedelics have been shown in neuroimaging studies to increase neural connectivity in the
brain. This means that different parts of the brain that don't typically communicate with each
other become more interconnected, which may be related to the altered thought processes and
experiences during a psychedelic trip. For someone with OCD or anxiety disorders, certain
neural pathways have been well-established, including linkages between our obsessions (s.a.
Contaminants) and a feeling of danger.
With psychedelic work, you can actually alter the perceived connection between obsessions and
our sense of need to do something to eliminate our distress (ie. compulsions).
The DMN is a network in the brain associated with self-referential thinking and mind-
wandering. Psychedelics can disrupt the activity of the DMN, which may contribute to a
sense of ego dissolution or a feeling of being interconnected with the world.
Psychedelics have shown promise in clinical studies for treating mental health conditions such
as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It's thought that their ability
to induce profound, introspective experiences may be therapeutic by allowing individuals to
confront and process unresolved psychological issues.
The effects of a psychedelic experience can be intense and typically peak for a few hours.
However, many people report lasting changes in their perception, mood, and attitudes that
persist for days, weeks, or even longer.
It's important to note that the effects of psychedelics can vary significantly from person to
person and can be influenced by factors such as dosage, individual sensitivity, set and setting
(the individual's mindset and the physical environment), and the specific substance used. The
use of psychedelics should always be approached with caution, and in a therapeutic context, it
should be conducted under the guidance of trained professionals to maximize safety and
potential therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the legality of psychedelics varies by country and jurisdiction, so it is crucial to be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations.
Again, in Colorado, we have the privilege of having a decriminalized approach to psychedelics, which
allows for greater freedom to explore their potential mental health benefits.
Why would you choose psychedelics for anxiety disorders?
Choosing psychedelic treatment for anxiety disorders is a decision that should be made
carefully and in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. This approach is not
suitable for everyone, and there are specific circumstances where it might be considered. Here
are some reasons why someone might choose psychedelic treatment for anxiety disorders:
Lack of Response to Conventional Therapies: When traditional treatments, such as
psychotherapy or medication, have been ineffective in managing severe anxiety
disorders, some individuals may explore alternative options, including psychedelic
therapy.Severe Symptoms: For individuals with debilitating anxiety disorders, where symptoms
significantly impact their quality of life and daily functioning, the potential benefits of
psychedelic therapy may be considered as a last resort.PTSD and Trauma: Psychedelic therapy has shown promise in the treatment of post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by severe anxiety related to
traumatic experiences.Desire for a Novel Approach: Some individuals with anxiety disorders may be drawn to
the unique, introspective, and transformative experiences that psychedelics can offer,
seeing them as an opportunity for profound personal growth and healing.Spirituality and Self-Exploration: For those with a spiritual or self-explorative mindset, the
altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelics may be appealing as a means
of exploring the nature of consciousness, identity, and existence, which could potentially
alleviate anxiety.Research and Clinical Trials: Individuals may be motivated to participate in clinical trials
or studies investigating the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for anxiety disorders.
Such trials are typically conducted in controlled and supervised settings.Professional Guidance: Psychedelic therapy is often administered by trained
professionals in a therapeutic and supportive environment. Those who want guidance
from experienced therapists may consider this treatment option.
It's important to emphasize that the use of psychedelics for anxiety disorders is still a developing
field, and research is ongoing. There are risks associated with using these substances,
including the potential for challenging and intense experiences, and it is not recommended for
everyone.
Before choosing psychedelic treatment, it's crucial to consider the following factors:
Legal Status: Psychedelics are classified as controlled substances in many places, and
their use is subject to legal restrictions. Seek guidance on the legal status in your region,
or travel to a region (s.a. Colorado) where there is decriminalization.Safety and Supervision: If considering psychedelic treatment, it should only be
undertaken in a controlled, supervised, and therapeutic setting with qualified
professionals to maximize safety and minimize potential risks.Individual Assessment: A comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional is
crucial to determine if psychedelic therapy is a suitable option for a specific individual.Informed Consent: Anyone considering psychedelic treatment should have a thorough
understanding of the potential benefits and risks, as well as the therapeutic process
involved.Integration: Integration therapy, which helps individuals process and make sense of their
psychedelic experiences, is an essential part of the treatment and should be included in
the overall approach.
Ultimately, the decision to choose psychedelic treatment for anxiety disorders is a deeply
personal one that should be made in collaboration with healthcare providers who have expertise
in this area. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and careful consideration of individual
circumstances and preferences is essential.
How do Psychedelics affect the brain?
Psychedelics are a class of substances that profoundly alter perception, mood, and various
cognitive processes. They can affect the brain in complex ways, primarily by interacting with the
brain's serotonin system. The exact mechanisms and effects can vary depending on the specific
psychedelic substance.
Here are some of the key ways in which psychedelics impact the brain:
Serotonin Receptor Activation: Most psychedelics, including psilocybin (found in certain
mushrooms), LSD, and DMT, interact with serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is
a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, perception, and various
cognitive functions. Psychedelics typically bind to serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors,
which are particularly abundant in the cortex, a part of the brain associated with higher-
order thinking.Altered Perception: Psychedelics can lead to perceptual changes, including visual
distortions, intensified colors, and the perception of patterns or connections between
unrelated things. This is often referred to as "hallucinogenic" or "psychedelic" effects.Changes in Mood: Many individuals report that psychedelics can induce intense
emotional experiences, which can range from euphoria and feelings of
interconnectedness to anxiety and fear. The emotional experience is often highly
influenced by the individual's mindset and the setting in which they take the substance.Increased Neural Connectivity: Psychedelics have been shown in neuroimaging studies
to increase neural connectivity in the brain. This means that different parts of the brain
that don't typically communicate with each other become more interconnected, which
may be related to the altered thought processes and experiences during a psychedelic
trip.Disruption of Default Mode Network (DMN): The DMN is a network in the brain
associated with self-referential thinking and mind-wandering. Psychedelics can disrupt the activity of the DMN, which may contribute to a sense of ego dissolution or a feeling
of being interconnected with the world.Potential Therapeutic Effects: Psychedelics have shown promise in clinical studies for
treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). It's thought that their ability to induce profound, introspective
experiences may be therapeutic by allowing individuals to confront and process
unresolved psychological issues.Short-Term and Long-Term Effects: The effects of a psychedelic experience can be
intense and typically peak for a few hours. However, some people report lasting changes
in their perception, mood, and attitudes that persist for days, weeks, or even longer.
It's important to note that the effects of psychedelics can vary significantly from person to
person and can be influenced by factors such as dosage, individual sensitivity, set and setting
(the individual's mindset and the physical environment), and the specific substance used.
The use of psychedelics should always be approached with caution, and in a therapeutic context, it
should be conducted under the guidance of trained professionals to maximize safety and
potential therapeutic benefits.
What NOT to do when utilizing psychedelics for mental health?
Engaging in psychedelics for mental health without careful consideration and proper guidance
can be risky and potentially harmful. Here are some important ways not to approach
psychedelics for mental health:
Self-Medication: Using psychedelics to self-medicate for mental health issues
without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional is strongly
discouraged. Self-medicating can lead to unpredictable outcomes and may
worsen existing mental health problems.Inexperienced or Untrained Supervision: If considering psychedelics for mental health,
it's essential to have trained professionals who understand the substances, their effects,
and the therapeutic process. Unsupervised or poorly supervised use of psychedelics can
be dangerous.Ignoring Legal and Regulatory Status: Some psychedelics are illegal in many countries
and jurisdictions. Attempting to use them without regard for legal restrictions can result in
criminal charges and other legal consequences.Using Psychedelics in Uncontrolled Environments: The setting, or physical environment
in which the psychedelic experience takes place, is crucial. Using psychedelics in
chaotic, unfamiliar, or uncontrolled settings can lead to anxiety, panic, and dangerous
situations.Ignoring Personal Mental Health History: Certain mental health conditions, such as
schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can be exacerbated by the use of psychedelics. It's
important to have a comprehensive mental health evaluation before considering
psychedelics.Lack of Preparation: Proper preparation, including understanding the substance, setting
intentions, and having a support system in place, is vital for a safe and meaningful
experience. Rushing into the use of psychedelics without preparation can lead to
negative outcomes.High Dosages: High doses of psychedelics can lead to intense, overwhelming
experiences, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with mental health
issues. It is generally recommended to start with lower doses and titrate upwards if
needed.Ignoring the Potential for Difficult Experiences: Psychedelics can induce challenging
and difficult experiences, often referred to as "bad trips." These experiences can
be psychologically distressing and require careful handling. Failing to
acknowledge this possibility and prepare for it can be detrimental.Disregarding Integration: Integration therapy, or the process of making sense of and
integrating the insights gained during a psychedelic experience, is a critical aspect of
psychedelic therapy. Neglecting integration can limit the therapeutic potential of
psychedelics.Overlooking Individual Variability: Psychedelic experiences are highly individual, and
their effects can vary widely from person to person. What works for one person may not
work for another, and it's essential to approach these substances with a tailored and
individualized plan.
In summary, using psychedelics for mental health should be approached with caution and
respect for the plant medicine – both its potential risks and benefits. It should only be done
under the guidance of qualified professionals in controlled, supervised settings. The importance
of safety, legality, and responsible use cannot be overstated, and anyone considering this
approach should prioritize their well-being and adhere to best practices in the field.
If you are considering Psychedelic Treatment for your anxiety disorder, and are able and willing
to travel to Colorado, please contact Kairos Wellness Collective today.