A groundbreaking study published in Molecular Psychiatry, spearheaded by Prof. Bernard Lerer from the Department of Psychiatry at Hadassah—Hebrew University Medical Center, has unveiled promising outcomes that suggest the potential of psilocybin—a psychedelic compound—as a novel treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette’s syndrome. The paper, entitled “Striking Long Term Beneficial Effects of Single Dose Psilocybin and Psychedelic Mushroom Extract in the SAPAP3 Rodent Model of OCD-Like Excessive Self-Grooming,” articulates these findings in detail.
The research illuminates the therapeutic promise of psilocybin, particularly in alleviating symptoms analogous to the debilitating experiences faced by individuals with OCD and Tourette’s syndrome.
The experimental study utilized a cohort of 50 genetically modified mice exhibiting behaviors such as excessive grooming and heightened anxiety—mirroring the symptoms prevalent in human OCD. Additionally, these rodents displayed head-body twitches akin to the motor tics often seen in patients diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome.
Mice were randomly assigned to receive either a singular injection of psilocybin, an extract from psychedelic mushrooms, or a placebo, ensuring a controlled environment. Evaluators, who were blinded to the treatment assignments, monitored and assessed the impacts over several intervals spanning three weeks.
Results revealed a striking 14.60% reduction in excessive grooming among the mice administered psilocybin, while those receiving the mushroom extract experienced an even greater decrease of 19.20%. This starkly contrasts with the placebo group, which exhibited a troubling increase in grooming behavior at a rate of 118.71%. The study also documented marked reductions in tic-like movements and anxiety symptoms, with the mushroom extract demonstrating superior efficacy particularly in mitigating anxiety responses. Notably, some mice retained the positive effects of a single treatment for an impressive duration of up to seven weeks.
Professor Lerer emphasized the significance of this research, stating, “Understanding that over 40% of OCD patients don’t find relief with current treatments, our findings are crucial as they suggest a new way to help these individuals.”
This pivotal research underscores the potential of psilocybin and related substances in addressing psychiatric conditions and bolsters ongoing endeavors to unearth innovative and effective therapies in the mental health arena.
More information: Michal Brownstien et al, Striking long-term beneficial effects of single dose psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract in the SAPAP3 rodent model of OCD-like excessive self-grooming, Molecular Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02786-0
Provided by Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Citation: Psilocybin shows promise as new treatment for OCD and Tourette’s syndrome, finds study (2024, October 29) retrieved 29 October 2024 from
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