Psilocybin for Anxiety: How it Works, Effectiveness, & How to Try It

What Is Psilocybin Therapy?

Psilocybin therapy is the use of psilocybin mushrooms or truffles to improve mental health conditions. Indigenous healers have used these in spiritual and mental healing for thousands of years.¹ Since then, experts have grown interested in psilocybin as a novel treatment for anxiety. However, this mushroom is not alone in psychedelic therapy research and shares this space with MDMA, Ketamine, Ayawaska, and others.

Is Psilocybin Therapy Legal?

At this time, psilocybin is a Class 1 drug in the United States. However, many states have moved toward removing the criminal penalty for use and certain levels of possession. Texas, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have allowed access to psilocybin for research, while Oregon and Colorado have passed laws to enable the use within a certified treatment facility. The FDA has also approved psilocybin for research related to depression and anxiety. Bills and reform are changing rapidly, with some models predicting full legalization between 2034-2037.²

How Can Psilocybin Help With Anxiety?

Psilocybin can help treat anxiety disorders by temporarily increasing the activation of serotonin receptors and allowing emotional and mental processing via psychedelic experiences. Combining psilocybin with other forms of therapy, such as exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, can provide further improvement.³

Those hoping for symptom relief should seek professionals to assist before, during, and after a session. Individuals may feel anxious during or after their experience with psilocybin. However, even these sessions can be beneficial in the long run when a trained professional can guide the individual.

Psilocybin for Social Anxiety Disorders

Psilocybin naturally increases connectedness to ourselves and others, meaning this therapy may be beneficial for those with social anxiety disorder. Some research shows individuals experience more positive mood, decreased feelings of exclusion, and less negative perceptions of facial expressions after taking psilocybin.⁴

Can Psilocybin Effectively Treat Anxiety?

Some evidence shows a success rate of 60-80% when treating symptoms of anxiety with psilocybin. These findings are promising compared to a 50% response rate to other popular therapies. Psilocybin treatment may have also particular benefits in decreasing neuroticism (a sensitivity to emotions and difficulty managing stress), a tendency many traditional methods have struggled to treat.⁵

How Fast Does Psilocybin Work for Anxiety?

Many studies show effectiveness after the first psilocybin session, but additional sessions increase the longevity of benefits. While some people notice immediate improvements, treatment protocols recommend up to three treatments to treat anxiety effectively.

Is Psilocybin an Alternative to Other Treatments for Anxiety?

Because of the newer interest in psilocybin for anxiety, determining if this method would work better as a first or last resort is difficult. In many cases, individuals have tried other forms of therapy before exploring psilocybin-based treatment. However, psilocybin can be beneficial for those eager to experience relief but hesitant to commit to long-term care.

How Long Do the Benefits of Psilocybin for Anxiety Last?

The length of time psilocybin lasts in the body depends on the dosage and individual. However, effects may occur within six to 10 hours after a session, with the substance remaining in the body for around 24 hours. Continued therapy has shown effects lasting 12 months or longer.

Stages of Psilocybin Therapy for Anxiety

Psilocybin-based treatment for anxiety consists of four stages. An initial assessment concludes the safety of use with a specific individual, after which the individual explores expectations and intention setting. The active treatment stage includes the experience before the individual integrates their insights into post-treatment. Each stage is essential in establishing the safety and longevity of results.

Psilocybin therapy for anxiety involves the following stages:

Initial Assessment & Evaluation Process

Initial evaluations screen for possible adverse reactions via questions about physical and emotional symptoms, such as blood pressure, heart disease, mania, or psychosis. The professional will also discuss medications, as some prescriptions that influence serotonin can interact with psilocybin.

Preparation Phase

The preparation phase of psilocybin for anxiety can begin after professionals clear an individual for treatment. This stage establishes comfort, grounding techniques, and preferred music during a session, as a positive environment determines the effectiveness of treatment. This stage also determines intentions for the session to direct the active treatment.

Active Treatment Phase

A person will receive one to three active treatment sessions lasting 6-10 hours. Eye shades and music can help guide the participant in their journey. Treatment can be individual or within a group setting.

Post-treatment Phase

Integration sessions are essential for increasing the longevity of improvements. During this stage, individuals attempt to make meaning from their experiences. Trained professionals will often help them establish ways to integrate these insights into daily life.

What To Expect From Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety

Psilocybin treatment can provide benefits, but individuals also face the risk of mild discomfort or anxiety. Individuals can ingest psilocybin fresh or dried. A synthetic form is sometimes available in research environments. People can eat psilocybin alone, but the mushroom taste can be off-putting. Some may infuse the drug with tea to increase palatability.

Dosages of Psilocybin for Anxiety

Research suggests doses of 15-25mg are beneficial when using psilocybin for anxiety. However, the potency of each mushroom or truffle varies because they are natural substances. Consult a qualified professional to determine the best dose for you.

Side Effects of Psilocybin for Anxiety

Side effects of psilocybin for anxiety typically occur following ingestion, but professional support can help individuals cope with these reactions. Research shows people generally respond well to psilocybin, with some reporting mild nausea, headaches, or anxiety. Knowing these risks can help you prepare for possible discomfort.

Potential side effects of psilocybin treatment for anxiety include:

• Nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• headache/migraine
• Psychological distress/ anxiety
• A feeling of disconnected from self⁶
• Exacerbated mania in those with pre-existing symptoms
• Psychosis, when not integrated properly

Is Psilocybin Therapy for Anxiety Safe?

Psilocybin therapy for anxiety is safe when performed by trained professionals. Out of 9233 recorded uses, 0.2% of psilocybin users presented to the emergency room for anxiety, panic, or paranoia.⁷ A medically cleared person should be present throughout the experience to ensure safety, as increased blood pressure and heart rhythm changes are possible.

Can Psilocybin Treatment Be Addictive?

Psilocybin is generally a non-addictive psychedelic. Many years of anecdotal evidence in Aztec Tribes and research studies have confirmed a low risk for psilocybin addiction. Other substance use exacerbated the known cases of addiction. In fact, with close supervision, psilocybin may help reduce the use of addictive substances.

How Common Is Psilocybin Therapy for Anxiety?

Before the recreational boom of psilocybin in the 1960s, some experts were beginning to explore the mushroom for psychiatric benefit. Many psilocybin treatment centers are underground due to the illegal nature of the drug. However, psilocybin is increasing in popularity for mental health benefits.

Risks & Precautions of Psilocybin Therapy for Anxiety

Individuals with untreated high blood pressure and heart arrhythmia should proceed with caution when exploring psilocybin. During the onset of the medicine, vascular vital signs are likely to increase. Individuals should also avoid psilocybin if they take medications that affect serotonin levels.

Risks of psilocybin therapy for anxiety include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Mania
• Psychosis

Who Should Avoid Psilocybin for Anxiety?

Most people seeking relief from symptoms are suited for psilocybin for anxiety as long as they commit to all phases of treatment. Exceptions include those who are experiencing active manic or psychotic episodes or those with untreated vascular problems. These conditions can lead to adverse experiences and possibly worsening symptoms.

Individuals who should not take psilocybin treatment include:

• Those experiencing active mania
• Those experiencing active psychosis
• Those with untreated heart disease
• Those with untreated high blood pressure

Microdosing Psilocybin for Anxiety

Microdosing means taking psilocybin in small doses that do not impact daily functioning. A typical microdose would be around .25mg.  Several studies have shown that regular microdosing can help reduce anxiety. However, more research on microdosing is necessary to determine complete efficacy.⁸

Is Psilocybin Therapy for Anxiety Right for Me?

Psilocybin may suit your needs if you struggle with anxiety and want a profound, effective treatment method. However, painful experiences can occur during the journey. Knowing and preparing for this is essential.

Psilocybin can raise blood pressure and elevate heart rate. A healthcare provider can help determine if this therapy is safe for you. In addition, ensure the mushrooms or truffles used in microdosing come from a trusted source that tests for potency and purity.

How to Find a Psilocybin Therapist for Anxiety

While psilocybin is an up-and-coming treatment model, finding a therapist specializing in this approach can be challenging. Ensuring you feel safe with your therapist is vital, so remember to ask questions about their experience and success with psilocybin. You can use an online therapist directory to filter providers based on psychedelic-assisted therapy modalities.

Cost of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety

In many cases, two therapists are present during a psilocybin-assisted therapy session. You would pay these therapists for one or two sessions before administering the medicine, 8-10 hours while on the medicine, and one to three integration sessions. In Oregon, where treatment is legally accessible, the cost for one psilocybin treatment is around $2800. Some facilities work under a group treatment model, which can reduce the cost to around $1000.

Psychedelic tourism outside of the United States is increasing in popularity, with costs ranging between $200 and $300. However, one must also pay for accommodation and travel costs.  Because treatment is not FDA-approved, insurance does not cover psilocybin. Finding a clinical trial would be the most cost-effective way to receive psilocybin therapy for anxiety.

Self-Medicating With Psilocybin

The movement toward self-medicating with psilocybin is growing as more information about the process is available. While this approach is likely more affordable, proceed cautiously. Due to the vulnerability of psilocybin use, a person may feel distressing emotions. Having someone with experience in these emotions is essential for the process.

One option would be to find a therapist specializing in a harm-reduction approach to psilocybin-assisted therapy. This person would help with a safe evaluation, preparation, and integration to ensure a safe and productive journey.⁹

Alternative Options to Psilocybin for Anxiety

If psilocybin for anxiety is not for you, other anxiety treatment options are available. Finding the right therapist may take trial and error, but having support is worth the effort. A licensed mental health professional will review your symptoms and make treatment recommendations based on your unique needs. You can work together to develop healthy goals, coping skills, and stress management.

Alternative treatment options for anxiety include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):  CBT for anxiety concentrates on noticing and rewriting destructive thought patterns to improve behavior and reactions to stress.
• Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy gradually exposes individuals to stimuli that cause anxiety within a safe, controlled environment. Continued treatment allows the brain pathways to move to a place of safety when exposed to triggers.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT for anxiety concentrates on emotional changes utilizing acceptance, values, and commitment to change.
• Medications: Talking to a mental health provider about medications for anxiety can be helpful. Pharmaceutical treatment can help combat symptoms that appear resistant to traditional therapy or other methods,
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR utilizes eye movement, tapping, or sounds to reprocess thoughts and memories contributing to anxiety.
• Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback uses specialized equipment to track brain wave activity during moments of anxiety. The clinician then teaches various techniques for altering the brain waves for the future.
• Internal family systems (IFS): IFS proposes we all have various internal parts that respond to situations. IFS for anxiety would work toward understanding and nurturing the anxious part using other, more adaptive areas.