Researchers Identify Brain Receptor That Could Unlock Safer Psilocybin Treatments
Psilocybin has shown remarkable promise for treating depression and anxiety. Yet its hallucinogenic effects create barriers. They increase costs and exclude patients with certain psychiatric conditions. A new Dartmouth study may change that. Researchers have identified a brain receptor that delivers psilocybin’s mood benefits without triggering hallucinations.
New:Â Get Pre-Screened for a Psychedelic Clinical Trial
| Key Takeaways | |
|---|---|
| Discovery | Serotonin receptor 1B promotes therapeutic effects without hallucinations |
| Current Challenge | Hallucinations from receptor 2A limit who can safely use psilocybin |
| Potential Impact | Safer drugs for patients with psychosis risk or schizophrenia history |
| Existing Use | Receptor 1B already serves as a target in migraine medications |
| Treatment Duration | One psilocybin dose can relieve symptoms for up to 12 months |
Looking for treatment? Find ketamine clinics closest to you as well as other psychedelic therapies in your area.
A New Target Emerges
The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, shifts focus away from the serotonin 2A receptor. That receptor causes psilocybin’s psychedelic effects. Instead, researchers found that serotonin receptor 1B also plays a key role in the compound’s benefits.
“We want to understand where exactly the therapeutic effects of psilocybin come from,” said Sixtine Fleury, the study’s first author and a PhD candidate at Dartmouth. The team developed a new mouse model to examine behavior and brain activity after psilocybin administration. Their findings revealed that both 1B and 2A receptors contribute to positive behavioral changes.
Why This Matters for Patients
Many people who could benefit from psilocybin cannot safely take it. Those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders or a family history of psychosis face serious risks. Psychedelics can trigger dangerous episodes in these populations.
The discovery opens a path toward drugs that preserve healing effects while eliminating hallucinogenic experiences. This approach could also reduce treatment costs. Current protocols require trained caretakers to guide patients through intense psychedelic sessions.
Looking Ahead
The serotonin system functions similarly across species. Receptor 1B already serves as a target for migraine medications in humans. This existing foundation could accelerate drug development.
For the millions seeking alternatives to traditional antidepressants, this research offers genuine hope. Safer and more accessible psilocybin treatments may soon become reality.
Learn More About Magic Mushrooms Strains
Interested in learning more about the different varieties of magic mushrooms strains? Click through our menu below for a deeper dive into each strain.
