As psychedelic research especially in relation to mental health expands, we're seeing more and more evidence validating the efficacy of psilocybin in the treatment of depressive disorders. See the findings on Lexapro comparison and treatment-resistant depression.
In a recent study, researchers at Yale observed that a single dose of psilocybin prompted an immediate and long-lasting increase in connections between neurons in mice.
In a report published by Yale news, the senior author of the study, Alex Kwan, associate professor of psychiatry and of neuroscience said:
“We not only saw a 10% increase in the number of neuronal connections, but also they were on average about 10% larger, so the connections were stronger as well,”
While previous studies had demonstrated promise that psilocybin and ketamine can decrease depression, this new research found that "these compounds increase the density of dendritic spines, small protrusions found on nerve cells which aid in the transmission of information between neurons. Chronic stress and depression are known to reduce the number of these neuronal connections."
Kwan went on to explain "It was a real surprise to see such enduring changes from just one dose of psilocybin,” he said. “These new connections may be the structural changes the brain uses to store new experiences.”
