Psilocybin for the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition for which currently available treatments are insufficiently effective and alternatives merit priority attention. Psilocybin may represent a safe and effective avenue for treatment of individuals affected by this condition. In this chapter we briefly introduce OCD symptoms, epidemiology, as well as relevant hypotheses on the mechanism of disease that may inform treatment interventions. We briefly describe currently available treatments, mechanisms of action, and efficacy limitations, as preamble to the potential use of psilocybin and perhaps similar compounds in the treatment of OCD and related conditions. Although much is reviewed throughout this book about the mechanisms of action of psychedelic agents, a focused discussion of psilocybin effects as they pertain to OCD is also included. Our experience with incidental observation, prospective research, and current explorations of psilocybin in OCD are also described.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCurrent Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages247-259
Number of pages13
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Publication series

NameCurrent Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
Volume56

Keywords

  • Compulsions
  • OCD
  • Obsessions
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Psilocybin
  • Psychedelics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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