Meta Information

ID:psilocybin-therapy

Name:Psilocybin Therapy

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
• Magic Mushrooms

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

2000

High Cost:

10000

Cost Type:

procedure

Description:

Cost per guided therapeutic session, including preparation and integration; not typically insurance covered.

Summary

Psilocybin is a serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor agonist that promotes neuroplasticity and alters brain network connectivity, particularly by reducing default mode network activity. Its healthspan relevance is primarily indirect, stemming from its demonstrated ability in clinical trials to produce rapid and lasting remission from mental health conditions like severe depression and PTSD, which are significant burdens on both quality of life and longevity.

Purpose

A psychedelic compound used to treat mental health conditions.

Card Summary

A psychedelic compound used in a therapeutic setting to treat conditions like depression and PTSD, potentially improving healthspan by resolving mental health burdens.

Drug Class

classic-psychedelic

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Primarily improves healthspan by resolving severe mental health burdens like depression and PTSD.

Evidence

Grade:

A

Score:

8.5

Justification:

Multiple high-quality human RCTs show efficacy for depression, PTSD, and end-of-life anxiety.

Safety

Score:

5.8

Justification:

Psychological risks require careful screening and a controlled therapeutic setting to manage.

Flags

• Efficacy and safety are highly dependent on therapeutic 'set and setting'.
• Contraindicated for individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia).
• SSRIs may blunt the subjective effects; MAOIs and lithium can cause dangerous interactions.
• Currently a Schedule I substance in the US, limiting legal access to clinical trials.

Verdict

A powerful, targeted intervention for mental health, an indirect driver of healthspan.

Created

2026-04-26T23:35:47.088967Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

none

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Psilocybin is a serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor agonist that promotes neuroplasticity and alters brain network connectivity, particularly by reducing default mode network activity. Its healthspan relev...

Typical Protocol

• Typically involves 1-3 macrodose sessions (e.g., 25mg) in a controlled, therapeutic setting over several months.