Magic mushrooms, known for its hallucinogen properties, could help in easing the pain of rejection. A small study revealed that its chemical compound can affect how a person could face up to social stressors, such as dealing with internet trolls or managing social impairment.
Magic mushrooms contain a chemical called psilocybin, which experts have long determined to deliver hallucinogenic side effects. Ancient medication and religious rituals made use of magic mushrooms for various disorders. But in a study published in the journal PNAS, experts have discovered that psilocybin could also be used in developing new therapies that might help with social anxiety.
Pain Of Rejection And A Dose Of Psilocybin
Researchers from the University Of Zurich Hospital Of Psychiatry enlisted 21 volunteers who were asked to play an online game called "Cyberball," which is a virtual game of catch. They were divided into two groups, with one set given a dose of psilocybin, while the others were placed in the placebo group.
The researchers kept track of their brain activities. Initially, the participants equally played catch with the others, but as the game progressed, some slowly experienced being left out and ignored.
In a common setting, this usually evokes a feeling of social rejection and anxiety. However, the researchers discovered that those on psilocybin showed more resiliency than the placebo group.
After the game, the researchers asked the participants questions and determined that while those in the psilocybin group could have been "high" from the chemical's effects, they were still aware of being excluded. Despite this, their brain scans showed less emotional distress.
Psilocybin reduces psychological pain after social exclusion: Social problems are key characteristics in psych... https://t.co/TwD1QucTzN
— Psychiatry Research (@psychresearch) April 19, 2016
Pain Of Rejection Treatment For Social Impairment
The researchers underscored that psilocybin seems to have an effect in how the brain processes serotonin in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which impacts the emotions. "These new results could be groundbreaking for the illumination of the neuropharmacological mechanisms of social interaction and may help to develop new treatments," said Franz Vollenweider from the University of Zurich in a press release via the University of Zurich.
The study is still a long way from developing an actual drug, but the experts might have finally found the key to targeting a mechanism in the brain that can control psychiatric disorders like depression, social anxiety or borderline personality. Watch Vollenweider explain the beginnings of their study in the video below:
