Brain Changes During Psilocybin Treatment for BDD: International Research Spotlight
In a groundbreaking paper published in Psychedelics (Genomic Press), researchers from Columbia University have provided the first evidence of how psilocybin alters brain connectivity in patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a severe psychiatric condition characterized by obsessive focus on perceived physical flaws. This pioneering study, published in September 2024, has garnered extensive international attention, with coverage in over 80 media outlets across multiple languages. The paper's comprehensive analysis demonstrates Psychedelics' commitment to publishing research that advances understanding of psychedelic medicine's therapeutic mechanisms.
Global Impact of Psychedelics
This paper exemplifies Psychedelics' growing influence as a leading forum for psychedelic medicine research. Within days of publication, the study's findings were rapidly disseminated across:
- North America: Major coverage in English-language media outlets
- Europe: Coverage in French, Spanish, and Lithuanian outlets
- Middle East: Featured in Hebrew language press
- Asia: Coverage in medical and healthcare publications
This swift, worldwide uptake of research published in Psychedelics demonstrates the journal's unique position in facilitating global scientific dialogue about psychedelic medicine.
Study Summary
Researchers examined brain connectivity changes in BDD patients following a single 25mg dose of psilocybin. The study established three key findings:
- Increased connectivity within the Executive Control Network of the brain one day after treatment
- Enhanced connectivity between key brain networks predicted symptom improvement
- Clinical benefits were maintained up to 12 weeks after a single dose
Major Media Coverage
The research has been featured in leading news outlets, including:
US News & World Report: “Psilocybin May Curb Mental Illness That Leads to Eating Disorders”
Key quote: “The findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for psilocybin in treating body-focused mental health conditions.”
Neurosciencenews.com: “Psilocybin Shows Promise in Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder”
Notable coverage highlighted the study's implications for understanding how psychedelics affect brain function.
Global Media Impact
The research has achieved remarkable international reach, with coverage in:
- English: Major outlets including US News & World Report and dozens of regional publications
- Spanish: Coverage in multiple outlets, including Infobae
- French: Featured in medical publications
- Hebrew: Medical news coverage
- Lithuanian: Health and medical coverage
Research Details
📝 Article published in Psychedelics (@GenomicPress):
📄🔓 Open Access: https://url.genomicpress.com/2xk4e44u
🇺🇸 EurekAlert! (EN): https://url.genomicpress.com/bdws5x59
🇨🇳 EurekAlert! (ZH): https://url.genomicpress.com/bddp7tv4
The study was conducted by Dr. Xi Zhu from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, in collaboration with researchers from the New York State Psychiatric Institute, University of Toronto, and Barnard College.
The extensive international coverage of this research - featured in more than 80 media outlets and multiple languages - highlights both the mounting global attention on psychedelic medicine and Psychedelics' emergence as an authoritative voice in this dynamic field. Such widespread recognition from major news organizations underscores the journal's scholarly excellence and its vital role in disseminating breakthrough developments in mental health therapeutics to researchers and clinicians worldwide.
