Psilocybin therapy lowers brain chemicals galanin and noradrenaline in major depression

Psilocybin selectively reduced CSF galanin and noradrenaline levels.

• The study analyzed data from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
• Psilocybin is associated with a rapid antidepressant effect in major depressive disorder.
• Changes in specific biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were observed following psilocybin treatment.
• The reduction of galanin and noradrenaline in CSF may indicate important pharmacodynamic effects.
• These findings suggest the normalization of these co-transmitters could be linked to psilocybin's antidepressant activity.

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