Psilocybin during the postpartum period induces long-lasting adverse effects in both mothers and offspring

Cassandra J. Hatzipantelis, Min Liu, Adam Love, Sadie J. Leventhal, Hero Maera, Srinidhi Viswanathan, Emily Avetisyan, Liana Belinsky, McKenna M. Rangel, Nina J. Jain, Max Kelly, Claire Copeland, Yara A. Khatib, Oliver Fiehn, David E. Olson () and Danielle S. Stolzenberg ()
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Cassandra J. Hatzipantelis: University of California, Davis
Min Liu: University of California, Davis
Adam Love: University of California, Davis
Sadie J. Leventhal: University of California, Davis
Hero Maera: University of California, Davis
Srinidhi Viswanathan: University of California, Davis
Emily Avetisyan: University of California, Davis
Liana Belinsky: University of California, Davis
McKenna M. Rangel: University of California, Davis
Nina J. Jain: University of California, Davis
Max Kelly: University of California, Davis
Claire Copeland: University of California, Davis
Yara A. Khatib: University of California, Davis
Oliver Fiehn: University of California, Davis
David E. Olson: University of California, Davis
Danielle S. Stolzenberg: University of California, Davis

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Psilocybin increases social connectedness and has strong clinical transdiagnostic efficacy for mental illness, making it a candidate treatment to reduce maternal disconnect, anxiety, and blunted affect seen in peripartum mood disorders. However, the efficacy and safety of psilocybin in peripartum mood disorders has not been investigated. We used a social stress model to examine the effects of psilocybin in parous mice and their offspring. Social stress induced maternal withdrawal and increased stress-related behaviors – none of which were ameliorated by psilocybin. Weeks later, psilocybin-treated dams were more anxious, regardless of stress exposure. In contrast, psilocybin-treated virgin females were unaffected. Though reproductive status did not affect psilocybin pharmacokinetics, serotonin receptor transcription and 5-HT2A receptor-dependent responses were reduced in dams. Offspring exposed to maternal psilocybin during breastfeeding exhibited anhedonia in adulthood. Here, we show that both parous parents and their children may be uniquely vulnerable to psychedelic treatment during the postpartum period.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64371-5

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