A potential effect of psilocybin on anxiety in neurotic personality structures in adolescents

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance present in a variety of Psilocybe mushroom species (1). It has been used in different cultures since prehistoric times to induce hallucinations and altered states of consciousness (2). Upon ingestion, psilocybin is transformed into a pharmacologically active ingredient psilocin. It affects a number of serotonin receptors, but has the highest affinity for serotonin 2A receptor. The effects of psilocybin are dose-dependent and include perceptual, cognitive, and emotional changes (1,3-5). The drug improves mood instantly, but the effects may last over several months, during which time psychotherapeutic interventions can be used (5-7). In 1959, while working for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, Albert Hofmann isolated purified psilocybin from Psilocybe mushrooms, which was registered under the commercial name Indocybin (8). However, increased misuse of psychedelic drugs in the late 1960s led to the prohibition of production, trade, and consumption of hallucinogenic drugs (9). Even though psilocybin was banned in many countries, including Croatia, over time its therapeutic benefit has been demonstrated. Several studies have shown its usefulness in managing treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and depression in life-threatening diseases, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol and smoking dependence, posttraumatic stress disorder, and cluster headaches (10-16). However, the available research has not covered its impact in children and adolescent