The Optimism Experiment: Psilocybin’s Impact On Motivation
A new study conducted by Monash University researchers offers promising insights into how psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, may help treat major depression. As Medicalxpress reported, in a groundbreaking experiment, rats treated with psilocybin demonstrated increased optimism and motivation when performing reward-based tasks. These findings could help explain how psychedelics influence brain function.
The study, published in Translational Psychiatry, used computational modeling to track behavioral changes in rats following psilocybin administration. Led by Ph.D. candidate Elizabeth Fisher, Professor Jakob Hohwy and Dr. Claire Foldi, the research focused on how psychedelics may address core symptoms of