Psilocybin in der modernen Psychotherapie

The A. deals with the history of Psilocybin as an aid in modern psychotherapy. An overview is given on references concerning historical aspects, psychopharmacology, pharmacology and toxicology of Psilocybin. Psilocybin which is mainly used in Europe has been used as a vehicle to activate unconscious materail within psychlysis. The method uses hallucinogens to produce dreamlike experiences though clear consciousness ans powers of recollection are not disturbed. Thus uncounscious conflicts and memories can be activated for psychotherapeutical work. Nevertheless it is not the pharmaceutical effect that creates therapeutical effects but the long term therapeutical work concerning the released material. Even patients who were seen as resistant to therapeutic efforts than showed good efforts in psychotherapy. Four different methods are distinguished. The discussion shows similiarities and differences betwwen traditional and modern use. Psilocybin is characterized by a short period of effectivity, low influences on the neurovegetative system, fewer experiences of depersonalisation, only rare provocations of fear. It seems to be an appropriate substance for psycholytical therapy