Neuroplastic Paths to Peace:

What the Research Says About Psilocybin

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Disclaimer & Transparency Statement

The information presented in this section is for educational and informational purposes only. All research cited here is sourced from publicly accessible, peer-reviewed, or governmental studies. Myco Maestro does not claim ownership over this research, and no original studies were conducted by Myco Maestro or its affiliates. This content is intended to promote thoughtful inquiry and accessibility, not to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Myco Maestro does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.

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Why Veterans Are Turning to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has begun supporting research into psilocybin- and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD in veterans. This represents a monumental shift in clinical attitudes toward psychedelic therapies.

VA Resource: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – PTSD Research

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Clinical Evidence: MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

 

In Phase II clinical trials:

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• 61% of participants no longer met PTSD criteria two months post-treatment

• 68% maintained remission at the 12-month mark

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These numbers highlight the potential of psychedelic compounds to enable trauma recovery when paired with guided therapy.

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Source: MAPS MDMA-Assisted Therapy Trial Summary (Wikipedia)

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Psilocybin’s Brain-Level Benefits

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In laboratory models, psilocybin has been shown to:

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• Enhance fear extinction

• Promote neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex

 

What does “enhance fear extinction” mean?
It refers to the brain’s ability to unlearn a fear response. When trauma wires the brain to associate certain memories, places, or feelings with danger — even long after the danger is gone — those fear loops can persist.

Psilocybin appears to help disrupt those loops, allowing the brain to form new, safer connections and release old fear-based patterns. It’s not about forgetting trauma, but remembering without reliving it.

This supports its use in trauma therapy, helping patients reprocess and release rigid fear-based memories.

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Source: Neuroscience News – Psilocybin and Neuroplasticity

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Ongoing Clinical Trials Focused on PTSD

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Several major studies are currently underway:

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• Psi PS Trial: Psilocybin for veterans and first responders with PTSD & Alcohol Use Disorder

• Co-therapy studies: Combining MDMA + psilocybin for enhanced trauma relief

• Two-dose psychotherapy models: Exploring treatment-resistant PTSD in veterans

 

Clinical Trial Listings:

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• NCT06989957

• NCT06853912

• NCT05554094

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Psilocybin and the Brain’s Default Mode Network

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Research suggests psilocybin can temporarily disrupt the default mode network (DMN) — a set of brain structures associated with ego, self-narrative, and looping trauma.

Disruption of this network allows for:

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• Greater psychological flexibility

• Emotional reprocessing

• Fresh perspective on old trauma patterns

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Source: Overview of Psilocybin Therapy (Johns Hopkins)

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Anti-inflammatory & Neuroprotective Effects

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Emerging research shows psilocybin may also:

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• Reduce neuroinflammation

• Lower oxidative stress

• Support gut–brain axis balance

 

These properties suggest its potential for holistic trauma healing that integrates both emotional and biological pathways.

 

Sources:

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• Wikipedia – Psilocybin

• New York Post – Psilocybin Research

 

Microdosing: Caution and Curiosity

 

Microdosing has entered the mainstream as a possible tool for:

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• Mood regulation

• Creativity

• Trauma support in daily life

 

However, conclusive evidence is still limited. Early studies are underway, but results vary widely.

 

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Additional Sources:

• Associated Press – Microdosing Studies

• EatingWell – Microdosing Overview

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