This case study (n=1) examines an individual who successfully used psilocybin to reduce the core symptoms of OCD for several years, and highlights avenues for future research investigating the role of serotonergic factors underlying OCD symptoms.

Abstract

“Introduction: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder with considerable morbidity and mortality. This condition disables many individuals and is often refractory to treatment. Research suggests that serotonin plays a role in OCD symptom reduction.

Method & Results: We present a case of an individual who successfully used psilocybin, a serotonergic agent, to reduce the core symptoms of OCD for several years.

Discussion: Although not endorsing this form of treatment, we feel that the successful use of this agent highlights the role of serotonergic factors in OCD and the need for further, legitimate research into the value of psilocybin in the treatment of anxiety disorders.”

Author: James Allen Wilcox

Summary

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition characterized by disturbing, intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals. Serotonin (5-HT) may play a role in obsessive ideation and behavior, and regulation of 5-HT receptors can change symptoms of this syndrome in some individuals.

Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that has demonstrated serotonergic properties in preclinical studies. It is well-tolerated under controlled environments and may relieve the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder in some individuals, but no real test of efficacy for OCD has been reported.

There have been several reports of individuals being helped by serotonergic hallucinogens in the treatment of obsessive thoughts. Psilocybin is a naturally derived hallucinogen that binds tightly to the 5-HT1a, 5-HT2a, and 5HT2c receptors.

CASE REPORT

A 38-year-old, 170-pound, married White male presented to the clinic over a period of years with chronic anxiety and worry. He developed counting rituals to reduce intrusive thoughts and repetitious routines to make sure things were done to his satisfaction. A patient with severe anxiety tried several forms of treatment, including psychoanalysis, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, but found no relief until a friend gave him “magic mushrooms”. The patient reported that the next day his intrusive thoughts were significantly reduced.

A patient reported that after taking psilocybin mushrooms, his intrusive thoughts were significantly reduced, and that he experienced ongoing relief from his anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and rituals. He denied side-effects or emotional distress from his use of mushrooms.

DISCUSSION

A patient with OCD used serotonergic pharmaceuticals to reduce some of the symptoms of OCD, but had no way to verify that the mushrooms he consumed were actually of the psilocybin type. The patient reported ongoing maintenance of symptom remission with his mushroom home remedy over a long period of time.