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 depression, such as diminished engagement and withdrawal.

How To Measure Motivation?

Researchers examined how psilocybin affects rat behavior after treatment. To do this, they implemented a unique task called the “two-armed bandit reversal learning task.” This task is a test used to understand how animals, like rats, make decisions and learn. In it, a rat can choose between two options, each offering different rewards. At first, one option gives more rewards, but then the researchers change it so that the other option becomes better. This change forces the rat to learn quickly and adjust its choice based on the new situation. The task helps scientists see how well the rat can adapt and make decisions, especially when studying how substances like psilocybin affect behavior.

Potential To Address Core Symptoms Of Depression

"Our team found that rats given psilocybin were more motivated to explore their environment and perform reward-based tasks," said Hohwy. The study, he added, marks a promising step in understanding how psychedelics may improve brain function, potentially translating to human treatments.

While the results are encouraging, Fisher emphasized the need for further research to confirm whether these effects hold true in humans. “Our ultimate goal is to help build understanding of how psilocybin might be used to treat core symptoms people experience, such as diminished optimism, apathy, and withdrawal,” she said.

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