Lecture: The use of mushrooms in the treatment of mental health disorders
Dr Hayley Tomes
This lecture will delve into the fascinating history and contemporary science surrounding psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Psilocybin has been used for centuries in traditional healing ceremonies by indigenous cultures, but its discovery in the ‘modern, western’ world dates back to the mid-20th century when researchers first began investigating its potential benefits and effects.
An overview of the latest scientific evidence of psilocybin’s therapeutic potential will be shared. Recent studies have demonstrated promising results in treating various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders, but are these realistic treatment avenues worth pursuing? The lecture will examine the brain mechanisms by which psilocybin is known to induce its effects, particularly its ability to promote neuroplasticity, or to grow new neural pathways. The way studies of this nature are conducted in humans will be discussed, for instance, how to address the issue of a placebo control, people can usually tell when they’ve ingested a psychoactive substance after all. Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the possible benefits and challenges associated with psilocybin as a potential therapy, informed by the latest empirical research.
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[Song: Cosmo Sheldrake. Recordings: sound ecologist Michael Prime using electrodes which detect the bioelectric activity of the fungus and control a tunable oscillator]. Timelapse video of oyster mushrooms sprouting from my Merlin Sheldrake's book. All sounds apart from voice and double bass are recordings of the fungus devouring the book. So all fluctuations in pitch and rhythm are real-time sonic representations of the fungal activity.