This heat map shows how patterns of resting brain activity (blue and green) change when psilocybin is taken (red and yellow), then return to normal as the drug wears off.
Your brain on shrooms — how psilocybin resets neural networks
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02275-y
By Max Kozlov
Taking psilocybin, the compound found in magic mushrooms can temporarily reset brain networks controlling time and self-perception. A study showed that participants’ brain patterns changed significantly, some resembling different individuals entirely. Most changes lasted hours, but one key link remained disrupted for weeks. This research could shed light on why psilocybin might help treat neurological conditions like depression and PTSD. Functional MRI scans revealed that psilocybin desynchronizes neuron groups, particularly in the default mode network, which is usually active during daydreaming. Techniques like ‘grounding’ used in therapy can reduce psilocybin’s effects, indicating a possible neurological signal. More research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms behind these brain-network disruptions and their therapeutic potential.