[Solved] What do magic mushrooms do to the rigidity and flexibility of the brain?

Shrooms can be able to reduce the rigidity of the brain and actually increase flexibility. One way this happens is by increasing a protein called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor). BDNF plays a crucial role in stimulating neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to adapt, make new connections and repair damaged networks. Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors (especially the 5HT2a receptor), leading to an increased release of BDNF and the creation of new neural connections. This makes the brain more flexible and resilient to stress and depression.

Another important effect of psilocybin is the decrease of activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN), a brain network often associated with self-reflection, brooding and maintaining rigid thought patterns. Suppressing this activity creates space for new insights, breaking through entrenched beliefs and a greater openness to change. This allows people to break free from negative mental patterns more easily, which is especially important for symptoms such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In addition, the experience itself - releasing the ego, processing old emotions and experiencing connectedness - helps break through mental rigidity. As a result, many participants experience a lasting change in how they think, feel and are in life. After the session, the experience can be integrated into daily life, reinforcing and embedding the positive effects.

You can read more on the pages Neuroplasticity and psychedelics, BDNF in depression, diet, exercise and magic mushroom, What happens in the brain during hallucination? and Growth through psychedelic session.