Psilocybin durably increases sociability in an autism mouse model even when administered under anesthesia

A study in Nature Communications found that one dose of psilocybin durably increased social preference in mice lacking the Cntnap2 gene, a model with reduced sociability and other autism-related traits. The effect appeared one day after treatment and lasted at least two weeks, without increasing general exploration or movement. It was absent in genetically matched wild-type mice and did not change repetitive grooming or hyperactivity, suggesting the benefit was specific to an existing social deficit rather than a universal social enhancement. Blocking the 5HT2A serotonin receptor prevented the effect. Crucially, mice given psilocybin while under light anesthesia showed the same later increase in sociability as awake mice, indicating that conscious psychedelic experiences may not be required for this behavioral effect. The findings are preclinical and cannot establish therapeutic value for autism or other human conditions. The social test also cannot distinguish friendly interest from aggression, and further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.