YC
Researching Psilocybin's Effects on Depression - Dr. Rosalind Watts
@ Y Combinator
03/16/18
Takeaways
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
This research project on psilocybin started after various studies explored its effects on the brain, particularly focusing on the unconscious mind and how it influences behavior.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
Psychedelics, like psilocybin, can deactivate the part of the brain responsible for negative thinking and rumination, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with depression.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
The clinical study I was involved in was the first of its kind in the UK, examining psilocybin's effects on 20 people with treatment-resistant depression.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
Participants often describe the psilocybin experience as a turbocharged therapy session, where they confront deep-seated issues and emotions that they may have avoided.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
The experience of psilocybin can be intense, often leading to feelings of dying or losing one's ego, which can be both frightening and beautiful for participants.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
Participants in the study had an average of 18 years of depression and had tried between 3 and 11 different types of antidepressants without success.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
For some participants, the effects of psilocybin lasted for about two to three months before their depression began to return, highlighting the need for integration after the experience.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
The preparation for a psilocybin session involves building trust and discussing potential fears, which helps participants feel more comfortable during the experience.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
The integration phase after a psychedelic experience is crucial, as it helps participants make sense of their experiences and apply insights to their lives.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
Psychedelics provide a unique opportunity for flexibility in thinking, allowing individuals to break free from rigid patterns of thought associated with depression.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
After a psychedelic experience, individuals often feel a sense of flexibility and openness, which can lead to positive life changes if they take advantage of that window of opportunity.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
Participants often report that the psilocybin sessions felt more human and connected compared to traditional treatments, emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Seventeen out of twenty participants experienced significant improvements in their depression after a single psilocybin session, feeling better for months, but many saw their symptoms return after three months.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
The therapeutic bond developed during psilocybin sessions is different from traditional therapy, as it fosters a more human and equal relationship between participants and guides.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
It's incredibly challenging to tell participants that we can't provide them with follow-up sessions due to funding constraints, especially when they've experienced such profound relief from their depression.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
Our next study will compare the effects of psilocybin with traditional antidepressants, but we have to allocate our limited budget to this new research, which restricts our ability to offer additional sessions to previous participants.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
The therapeutic relationship in psilocybin sessions is unique; the participant is the expert on their own journey, and the guide's role is to provide a loving presence without directing the experience.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
Psychedelics like psilocybin can facilitate deep internal change, allowing individuals to understand themselves better and make significant life changes more rapidly than traditional therapies.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
Meditation and breathwork can help individuals access similar states of consciousness as psychedelics, providing alternative pathways for self-discovery and healing without the need for substances.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
Connection to oneself, others, and the world is crucial for personal growth; it's important to honor that inner voice that guides you towards meaningful change.
DR
Dr. Rosalind Watts
03/16/18
@ Y Combinator
The analogy of trees in a forest illustrates how interconnectedness through mycelium (mushrooms) can symbolize the importance of community and support in personal development.