This reanalysis of a Phase II study (n=11) investigated psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants received psilocybin (25mg; n=5) or diphenhydramine (antihistamine; 50mg; n=6). Psilocybin increased activity in the medial and lateral prefrontal cortex and left caudate, while decreasing activity in several other brain regions. These findings suggest enhanced goal-directed action, improved emotional regulation, and diminished craving.

Abstract of Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: an fMRI pilot study

“This pilot study investigated psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants were recruited from a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) for the treatment of AUD (NCT02061293). Eleven adult patients completed task-based blood oxygen dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) approximately 3 days before and 2 days after receiving 25 mg of psilocybin (n = 5) or 50 mg of diphenhydramine (n = 6). Visual alcohol and emotionally valanced (positive, negative, or neutral) stimuli were presented in block design. Across both alcohol and emotional cues, psilocybin increased activity in the medial and lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and left caudate, and decreased activity in the insular, motor, temporal, parietal, and occipital cortices, and cerebellum. Unique to negative cues, psilocybin increased supramarginal gyrus activity; unique to positive cues, psilocybin increased right hippocampus activity and decreased left hippocampus activity. Greater PFC and caudate engagement and concomitant insula, motor, and cerebellar disengagement suggests enhanced goal-directed action, improved emotional regulation, and diminished craving. The robust changes in brain activity observed in this pilot study warrant larger neuroimaging studies to elucidate neural mechanisms of PAT.”

Authors: Broc A. Pagni, Petros D. Petridis, Samantha K. Podrebarac, Jack Grinband, E. D. Claus & Michael P. Bogenschutz

Summary of Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: an fMRI pilot study

Alcohol use disorder is characterized by an impaired ability to regulate or abstain from alcohol despite negative personal, occupational, and social consequences. A three-domain model has been proposed to account for the core neuropsychological features of AUD.

Although medications exist for AUD, the effect sizes are disappointingly small and limited to particular sub-populations. However, emerging evidence suggests that psilocybin, the psychoactive constituent of magic mushrooms, may precipitate sustained reductions in drinking behaviour after one or two drug administrations.

Psilocybin is a nonspecific serotonin agonist that profoundly alters sensory, emotional, and cognitive perception. It has been shown to have therapeutic potential for treating psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety and depression in cancer patients, and smoking cessation.

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Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: an fMRI pilot study

https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fs41598-024-52967-8

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Cite this paper (APA)

Pagni, B. A., Petridis, P. D., Podrebarac, S. K., Grinband, J., Claus, E. D., & Bogenschutz, M. P. (2024). Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: an fMRI pilot study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 3159.

Study details

Compounds studied
Psilocybin

Topics studied
Alcohol Use Disorder Addiction

Study characteristics
Original Original Re-analysis Placebo-Controlled Active Placebo Double-Blind

Participants
11 Humans

Institutes

Institutes associated with this publication

NYU Langone Health
This company doesn't have a full profile yet, it is linked to a clinical trial.

Compound Details

The psychedelics given at which dose and how many times

Psilocybin 25 mg | 1x

Linked Research Papers

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