University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Oct 2 2025 Researchers at Penn Medicine have identified specific brain circuits that are impacted by psilocybin-the active compound found in some psychedelic mushrooms-which could lead to new paths forward for pain and mental health management options. Chronic pain affects more than 1.5 billion people worldwide and is often deeply entangled with depression and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle that amplifies suffering and impairs quality of life.