Altering the Mind to Alleviate IBS: Exploring Psilocybin as a Potential Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Modern Medicine Takes A Psychedelic Turn: Psilocybin As A Potential Treatment For IBS
Step aside, traditional remedies, there's a new kid on the block - psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, could be the missing piece to solve the mystery of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Crystallizing decades of research, Erin Mauney, MD, is spearheading an revolutionary study, unlocking the potential of psychedelics for treating IBS.
The Mind-Gut Connection
Historically, the mind and gut have been considered separate entities. Yet, as our understanding progresses, it becomes apparent that they are intimately intertwined, communicating constantly via nerves, hormones, and neurotransmitters. The enteric nervous system – the gut's sockey nervous system – is the body's second largest after the brain, opening the door to refer to the gut as the "second brain."
The brain and gut's unbreakable bond can be traced back to ancient times when life on the savannah was less convenient. The gut would signal the brain when it needed refueling, and the brain would signal the gut to prepare for digestion. This connection explains common sensations such as experiencing hunger pangs and feeling butterflies in the stomach.
The IBS Puzzle
Demystifying IBS, Dr. Mauney recalls her gastroenterology training, during which she became increasingly aware of the prevalence of psychological trauma in IBS cases. Given the strong gut-brain connection, this led her to explore how altered psychological states might help treat gut issues.
Previous research suggests that IBS is closely linked with psychological factors, and that around 60% of people with IBS experience anxiety or depression [1]. This points to a strong gut-brain aspect of IBS.
A Transformative Approach
The heart of the ongoing study by Dr. Mauney and her team is the investigation of whether psychedelic-assisted talking therapy could reduce the symptoms of treatment-resistant IBS. The study focuses on individuals who have tried a range of conventional therapies without significant benefits.
A psychedelic's power lies in its transdiagnostic abilities; it can effectively alter a multitude of psychological domains commonly found across various mental health conditions (e.g., rigidity, rumination, self-preoccupation). Furthermore, psychedelic compounds like psilocybin may help some people shift ingrained thought patterns and beliefs.
Gut-Focused Theories
The benefits of psilocybin may not be limited to the psychological realm. For one, evidence suggests that psilocybin may help reduce visceral hypersensitivity – a subtype of serotonin receptors in the gut called 5HT2a receptors plays a significant role in this hypersensitivity. Additionally, psilocybin has reported anti-inflammatory effects that are also associated with IBS.
Psilocybin could not only alleviate psychological discomfort but potentiallyalleviate the physical manifestations of IBS as well.
Changing The Game
The cutting-edge study by Dr. Mauney and her colleagues is the first of its kind and is currently halfway through enrollment, with some participants already experiencing benefits [2]. The study consists of two therapy sessions, each involving psilocybin dosing and psilocybin-enhanced talking therapy sessions with two medical professionals.
The introduction of psilocybin into gastroenterology care represents a significant shift, providing a promising new therapeutic option for those who have exhausted conventional treatments.
References[1] Psychedelics. (2021). Irritable Bowel Syndrome. [ebook] . Available at: https://bit.ly/3ImWN6h[2] Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. (2021). Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for the Treatment of Treatment-Resistant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Protocol for a Pilot Study. [ebook] . Available at: https://bit.ly/3uE2q0j[3] Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. (2021). Erin Mauney on the Role of Psilocybin and Psychedelics in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. [ebook] . Available at: https://bit.ly/3sQllom
- The enteric nervous system, the gut's complex nervous system, sheds light on the gut being referred to as the "second brain."
- Traditional remedies have a new competitor in psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, which could hold the key to the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Dr. Erin Mauney's study investigates the potential of psychedelic-assisted talking therapy as a treatment for IBS, focusing on individuals who have not been helped by conventional therapies.
- The gut's connection to the brain dates back to ancient times, when it signaled the brain for refueling and prepared the gut for digestion.
- The gut and brain are constantly communicating via nerves, hormones, and neurotransmitters, despite being historically considered separate entities.
- Around 60% of people with IBS experience anxiety or depression, hinting at the strong gut-brain aspect of IBS.
- Psilocybin's power lies in its transdiagnostic abilities, with the potential to effectively alter multiple psychological domains found across various mental health conditions.
- Reducing visceral hypersensitivity, a subtype of serotonin receptors in the gut, is one possible benefit of psilocybin.
- Psilocybin has reported anti-inflammatory effects that are associated with IBS.
- Psilocybin could potentially help alleviate not just the psychological discomfort of IBS but its physical manifestations as well.
- The study covers two therapy sessions, each involving a psilocybin dosage and psilocybin-enhanced talking therapy, supervised by two medical professionals.
- The cutting-edge study has already enrolled halfway, with some participants already experiencing benefits.
- The introduction of psilocybin into gastroenterology care marks a significant shift, offering a promising new therapeutic option for those who have exhausted conventional treatments.
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