Efeitos da psilocibina no corpo humano: o uso no tratamento da depressão

Abstract

Introduction: Psilocybin is a natural compound found in certain species of mushrooms, with a structure and mechanisms of action similar to serotonin. Preliminary studies indicate that psilocybin-assisted treatments may have significant antidepressant effects, particularly in patients with major depressive disorder. Objective: The present study aimed to conduct an integrative literature review on the efficacy of psilocybin in the treatment of depression. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review based on the PRISMA model, selecting studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed, and the Virtual Health Library (BVL) databases, using the descriptors: psilocybin, human, psychotherapy, hallucinogen, and depression, in both Portuguese and English, covering the period from 2014 to 2024. Results: Studies investigating the feasibility and safety of administering psilocybin in patients with treatment-resistant depression demonstrated that the treatment was well-tolerated, with no severe or unexpected adverse effects. An increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the plasma was observed, which enhances neuroplasticity, as well as a decrease in cerebral blood flow, particularly in the amygdala, a region frequently associated with emotional regulation. Antidepressant effects are observed within the first week after psilocybin administration and can last for up to 6 months, and in some cases, up to 1 year when combined with psychological support. Conclusion: The use of psilocybin in the treatment of major depressive disorder emerges as a potential solution with the resurgence of research in this field. However, it is crucial to conduct more extensive studies on potential drug interactions and to carry out research with a larger population.