Comment on low dose psilocybin for treatment of PTSD

The article by Catlow BJ et al. (Exp Brain Res. 2013 Jun 2. [Epub ahead of print]), demonstrates how a low dose (0.1 mg/kg) of psilocybin helps mice overcome a conditioned fear response significantly quicker than a medium (0.5 mg/kg) or high dose of psilocybin (1.0 mg/kg) and results in hippocampal neurogenesis while the higher doses result in a decrease in cell survival.

 Griffiths et al. in their pioneering study (Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. Griffiths RR, Richards WA, McCann U, Jesse R. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Aug;187(3):268-83; discussion 284-92. Epub 2006 Jul 7.PMID: 16826400) utilized approximately 0.4 mg/kg. This dose occasioned a mystical experience and a sense of oneness with the universe.

Subsequent fMRI studies demonstrated psilocybin has the effect of decreasing activity in key areas of the brain which help to eliminate the crosstalk between the medial prefrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex. This physiological response may be responsible for the "oneness with the universe" experience often seen in psilocybin trials including an ongoing Clinical Trial on cancer patients at NYU. The higher doses of psilocybin may not result in neurogenesis as do the lower doses but may still be beneficial by shutting down the sense of self and allowing the individual to sense a universal connectedness.

In essence, the stronger the ego, the less an individual is able to sense the connectedness with all things. This realization has provided peace to numerous individuals inside and outside of Clinical Trials when done with the proper set and setting. In summary, both the lower and higher doses of psilocybin may have their therapeutic effects.  Low dose psilocybin could be given on a weekly basis to promote neurogenesis, which is how SSRIs are thought to provide their therapeutic effects.  The higher dose may have to be given only once, under therapeutic conditions to promote a sense of connectedness with a higher power to alleviate the existential crisis seen in PTSD and cancer patients.

More research is needed and this is a good opportunity for the DoD and/or VA to show the Active Duty Military and Veterans that they will do what it takes to help alleviate the epidemic of PTSD found in those populations.