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Szigeti B, Weiss B, Rosas FE, Erritzoe D, Nutt D, Carhart-Harris R. Assessing expectancy and suggestibility in a trial of escitalopram v. psilocybin for depression. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1717-1724. [PMID: 38247730 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723003653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the association between pre-trial expectancy, suggestibility, and response to treatment in a trial of escitalopram and investigational drug, COMP360, psilocybin, in the treatment of major depressive disorder (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03429075). METHODS We used data (n = 55) from our recent double-blind, parallel-group, randomized head-to-head comparison trial of escitalopram and investigational drug, COMP360, psilocybin. Mixed linear models were used to investigate the association between pre-treatment efficacy-related expectations, as well as baseline trait suggestibility and absorption, and therapeutic response to both escitalopram and COMP360 psilocybin. RESULTS Patients had significantly higher expectancy for psilocybin relative to escitalopram; however, expectancy for escitalopram was associated with improved therapeutic outcomes to escitalopram, expectancy for psilocybin was not predictive of response to psilocybin. Separately, we found that pre-treatment trait suggestibility was associated with therapeutic response in the psilocybin arm, but not in the escitalopram arm. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results suggest that psychedelic therapy may be less vulnerable to expectancy biases than previously suspected. The relationship between baseline trait suggestibility and response to psilocybin therapy implies that highly suggestible individuals may be primed for response to this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Szigeti
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Brandon Weiss
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Fernando E Rosas
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, UK
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, UK
- Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, UK
| | - David Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Robin Carhart-Harris
- Depts. of Neurology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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2
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Baxter L, Puljević C, Piatkowski T, Ferris J, Davies EL, Barratt MJ, Winstock A. Tripping into the unknown: Exploring the experiences of first-time LSD users through global drug survey insights. J Psychopharmacol 2024:2698811241254837. [PMID: 38804544 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241254837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recreational use of LSD, a synthetic psychedelic drug, has surged in recent years, coinciding with a renewed research focus on its potential psychotherapeutic properties. AIM This study aims to describe the experiences and perceptions of individuals engaging in LSD use for the first time, derived from a large international sample. METHODS This study utilised 2018 Global Drug Survey data collected from 6 November 2017 to 10 January 2018. Participants who initiated LSD use in the preceding 12 months answered questions on their experiences, social settings, harm-reduction behaviours, and demographics. Descriptive statistics were employed, and characteristics of those seeking emergency medical treatment (EMT) and those not planning further LSD use were compared with other respondents. RESULTS Among 3340 respondents who used LSD in the past year, their first-time experiences generally exceeded expectations, with 97.7% expressing excitement. Adverse and unwanted side effects were rarely reported, and only 17 individuals needed EMT. Feelings of fear were reported by most (64.1%), but only very mildly and not enough to put them off from wanting to use LSD again. DISCUSSION Although the occurrence of unwanted side effects seems low and the LSD experience is generally pleasurable, vigilance amid the rising illicit use of LSD through harm-reduction education is still important in preventing possible risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Baxter
- South London and Maudsley NHS Trust/King's College London, London, UK
| | - Cheneal Puljević
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tim Piatkowski
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason Ferris
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma L Davies
- Centre for Psychological Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Monica J Barratt
- Social Equity Research Centre and Digital Ethnography Research Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam Winstock
- Global Drug Survey, London, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology, University College London, London, UK
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3
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Mathai DS, Hull TD, Vando L, Malgaroli M. At-home, telehealth-supported ketamine treatment for depression: Findings from longitudinal, machine learning and symptom network analysis of real-world data. J Affect Disord 2024:S0165-0327(24)00875-9. [PMID: 38810787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving safe and effective access to ketamine therapy is of high priority given the growing burden of mental illness. Telehealth-supported administration of sublingual ketamine is being explored toward this goal. METHODS In this longitudinal study, moderately-to-severely depressed patients received four doses of ketamine at home over four weeks within a supportive digital health context. Treatment was structured to resemble methods of therapeutic psychedelic trials. Patients receiving a second course of treatment were also examined. Symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression. We conducted preregistered machine learning and symptom network analyses to investigate outcomes (osf.io/v2rpx). RESULTS A sample of 11,441 patients was analyzed, demonstrating a modal antidepressant response from both non-severe (n = 6384, 55.8 %) and severe (n = 2070, 18.1 %) baseline depression levels. Adverse events were detected in 3.0-4.8 % of participants and predominantly neurologic or psychiatric in nature. A second course of treatment helped extend improvements in patients who responded favorably to initial treatment. Improvement was most strongly predicted by lower depression scores and age at baseline. Symptoms of Depressed mood and Anhedonia sustained depression despite ongoing treatment. LIMITATIONS This study was limited by the absence of comparison or control groups and lack of a fixed-dose procedure for ketamine administration. CONCLUSIONS At-home, telehealth-supported ketamine administration was largely safe, well-tolerated, and associated with improvement in patients with depression. Strategies for combining psychedelic-oriented therapies with rigorous telehealth models, as explored here, may uniquely address barriers to mental health treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Mathai
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD, United States of America; Sattva Medicine - Psychiatry/Psychotherapy Practice, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Thomas D Hull
- Institute for Psycholinguistics and Digital Health, United States of America
| | | | - Matteo Malgaroli
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, United States of America.
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4
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Copa D, Erritzoe D, Giribaldi B, Nutt D, Carhart-Harris R, Tagliazucchi E. Predicting the outcome of psilocybin treatment for depression from baseline fMRI functional connectivity. J Affect Disord 2024; 353:60-69. [PMID: 38423367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic drug under assessment as a potential therapy for treatment-resistant and major depression. Heterogeneous treatment responses raise interest in predicting the outcome from baseline data. METHODS A machine learning pipeline was implemented to investigate baseline resting-state functional connectivity measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a predictor of symptom severity in psilocybin monotherapy for treatment-resistant depression (16 patients administered two 5 mg capsules followed by 25 mg, separated by one week). Generalizability was tested in a sample of 22 patients who participated in a psilocybin vs. escitalopram trial for moderate-to-severe major depression (two separate doses of 25 mg of psilocybin 3 weeks apart plus 6 weeks of daily placebo vs. two separate doses of 1 mg of psilocybin 3 weeks apart plus 6 weeks of daily oral escitalopram). The analysis was repeated using both samples combined. RESULTS Functional connectivity of visual, default mode and executive networks predicted early symptom improvement, while the salience network predicted responders up to 24 weeks after treatment (accuracy≈0.9). Generalization performance was borderline significant. Consistent results were obtained from the combined sample analysis. Fronto-occipital and fronto-temporal coupling predicted early and late symptom reduction, respectively. LIMITATIONS The number of participants and differences between the two datasets limit the generalizability of the findings, while the lack of a placebo arm limits their specificity. CONCLUSIONS Baseline neurophysiological measurements can predict the outcome of psilocybin treatment for depression. Future research based on larger datasets should strive to assess the generalizability of these predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Copa
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ingeniería, Instituto de Bioingeniería, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruna Giribaldi
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Enzo Tagliazucchi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Física Interdisciplinaria y Aplicada (INFINA), Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
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5
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Sjöström DK, Claesdotter-Knutsson E, Kajonius PJ. Personality traits explain the relationship between psychedelic use and less depression in a comparative study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10195. [PMID: 38702496 PMCID: PMC11068892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60890-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in psychedelics is increasing due to the potential for improved mental health and quality of life. However, adverse effects on mental health are still a concern. Personality traits have been suggested to both influence the psychedelic experience and mental health, and even be changed by psychedelic use. The present study describes for the first time a national sample of Swedish psychedelic users (n = 400) compared to a sex and age-matched control-group of non-users (n = 400) regarding mental health variables (depression, insomnia, problematic alcohol and drug use, and dissociation) and personality (Big Five). Data was collected in an online survey including individuals from 16 years of age who had at least one psychedelic experience. The main results reported psychedelic users as less depressed (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) (d = - 0.29) and having more use of drugs (Drug Use Disorders Identification Test; DUDIT) (d = 1.27). In the Big Five personality traits, openness differed notably (d = 1.72), and the between-group effects in PHQ-9 were explained by lower neuroticism. Our findings reveal that psychedelic users report less depression and higher drug use, and this is partly due to personality traits. These results have implications on how we view psychedelic users and the use of psychedelic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Sjöström
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Claesdotter-Knutsson
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Region Skåne, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Regional Outpatient Care, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Wolff M, Evens R, Mertens LJ, Schmidt C, Beck J, Rutrecht H, Cherniak AD, Gründer G, Jungaberle H. Measuring psychotherapeutic processes in the context of psychedelic experiences: Validation of the General Change Mechanisms Questionnaire (GCMQ). J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:432-457. [PMID: 38742761 PMCID: PMC11102652 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241249698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic and salutogenic effects of psychedelic drugs have been attributed to psychotherapeutic or psychotherapy-like processes that can unfold during the acute psychedelic experience and beyond. Currently, there are no psychometric instruments available to comprehensively assess psychotherapeutic processes (as conceptualized by empirical psychotherapy research) in the context of psychedelic experiences. AIMS We report the initial validation of the General Change Mechanisms Questionnaire (GCMQ), a self-report instrument designed to measure five empirically established general change mechanisms (GCMs) of psychotherapy-(1) resource activation, (2) therapeutic relationship, (3) problem actuation, (4) clarification, and (5) mastery-in the context of psychedelic experiences. METHODS An online survey in a sample of 1153 English-speaking and 714 German-speaking psychedelic users was conducted to evaluate simultaneously developed English- and German-language versions of the GCMQ. RESULTS The theory-based factor structure was confirmed. The five GCMQ scales showed good internal consistency. Evidence for convergent validity with external measures was obtained. Significant associations with different settings and with therapeutic, hedonic, and escapist use motives confirmed the hypothesized context dependence of GCM-related psychedelic experiences. Indicating potential therapeutic effects, the association between cumulative stressful life events and well-being was significantly moderated by resource activation, clarification, and mastery. Factor mixture modeling revealed five distinct profiles of GCM-related psychedelic experiences. CONCLUSION Initial testing indicates that the GCMQ is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in future clinical and nonclinical psychedelic research. The five identified profiles of GCM-related experiences may be relevant to clinical uses of psychedelics and psychedelic harm reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- MIND Foundation, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ricarda Evens
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lea J Mertens
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Jessica Beck
- MIND Foundation, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Aaron D Cherniak
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Gerhard Gründer
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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7
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Sakai K, Bradley ER, Zamaria JA, Agin-Liebes G, Kelley DP, Fish A, Martini V, Ferris MC, Morton E, Michalak EE, O'Donovan A, Woolley JD. Content analysis of Reddit posts about coadministration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and psilocybin mushrooms. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06585-x. [PMID: 38687360 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06585-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Treatments with the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin are being investigated for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Because many patients with these disorders use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), understanding interactions between psilocybin and SSRIs is critical for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and scalability of psilocybin-based treatments. Current knowledge about these interactions is limited, as most clinical psilocybin research has prohibited concomittant SSRI use. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore potential interactions between psilocybin and SSRIs by characterizing peoples' real-world experiences using psilocybin mushrooms and SSRIs together. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of Reddit for posts describing psilocybin mushroom and SSRI coadministration. We identified 443 eligible posts and applied qualitative content analysis to each. RESULTS 8% of posts reported negative physical or psychological effects resulting from coadministration. These included 13 reports that may reflect serotonin toxicity, and 1 concerning for a psychotic/manic episode. 54% of posts described reduced intensity of the acute psilocybin experience, but 39% reported unchanged intensity with SSRI coadministration. CONCLUSIONS Psilocybin's interactions with SSRIs are likely complex and may depend on multiple factors. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether psilocybin treatments are reliably safe and effective in the setting of SSRI use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Sakai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Ellen R Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
| | - Joseph A Zamaria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- School of Education, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Gabrielle Agin-Liebes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - D Parker Kelley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Alexander Fish
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Valeria Martini
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Psychology Department, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Michelle C Ferris
- Psychology Department, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Emma Morton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Erin E Michalak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Aoife O'Donovan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Joshua D Woolley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
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8
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Levin AW, Lancelotta R, Sepeda ND, Gukasyan N, Nayak S, Wagener TL, Barrett FS, Griffiths RR, Davis AK. The therapeutic alliance between study participants and intervention facilitators is associated with acute effects and clinical outcomes in a psilocybin-assisted therapy trial for major depressive disorder. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300501. [PMID: 38483940 PMCID: PMC10939230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
We examined if the therapeutic alliance between study participants and intervention facilitators in a psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) trial changed over time and whether there were relationships between alliance, acute psilocybin experiences, and depression outcomes. In a randomized, waiting list-controlled clinical trial for major depressive disorder in adults (N = 24), participants were randomized to an immediate (N = 13) or delayed (N = 11) condition with two oral doses of psilocybin (20mg/70kg and 30mg/70kg). Ratings of therapeutic alliance significantly increased from the final preparation session to one-week post-intervention (p = .03, d = .43). A stronger total alliance at the final preparation session predicted depression scores at 4 weeks (r = -.65, p = .002), 6 months (r = -.47, p = .036), and 12 months (r = -.54, p = .014) post-intervention. A stronger total alliance in the final preparation session was correlated with higher peak ratings of mystical experiences (r = .49, p = .027) and psychological insight (r = .52, p = .040), and peak ratings of mystical experience and psychological insight were correlated with depression scores at 4 weeks (r = -.45, p = .030 for mystical; r = -.75, p < .001 for insight). Stronger total alliance one week after the final psilocybin session predicted depression scores at 4 weeks (r = -.85, p < .001), 3 months (r = -.52, p = .010), 6 months (r = -.77, p < .001), and 12 months (r = -.61, p = .001) post-intervention. These findings highlight the importance of the therapeutic relationship in PAT. Future research should explore therapist and participant characteristics which maximize the therapeutic alliance and evaluate its relationship to treatment outcomes. Trial registration: Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03181529. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03181529.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W. Levin
- The Ohio State University, Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Rafaelle Lancelotta
- The Ohio State University, Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Nathan D. Sepeda
- The Ohio State University, Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins University, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Natalie Gukasyan
- Johns Hopkins University, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sandeep Nayak
- Johns Hopkins University, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Theodore L. Wagener
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Frederick S. Barrett
- Johns Hopkins University, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Roland R. Griffiths
- Johns Hopkins University, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alan K. Davis
- The Ohio State University, Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins University, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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9
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Gründer G, Brand M, Mertens LJ, Jungaberle H, Kärtner L, Scharf DJ, Spangemacher M, Wolff M. Treatment with psychedelics is psychotherapy: beyond reductionism. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:231-236. [PMID: 38101439 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00363-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of psychiatric disorders with psychedelic substances represents one of the most promising current treatment approaches in psychiatry. Since its inception in the 1950s, therapy with psychedelics has been conceptualised as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy-ie, a form of psychotherapy that uses the profound biological effects of this class of substances as a catalyst for changing thinking, emotions, and behaviour. In this view, the psychotherapy component of the treatment is considered as being of the utmost importance for both the safety and efficacy of the therapy. This conceptualisation has been challenged by the idea that the latest clinical studies suggest that the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics must be attributed solely to the substance itself, with no role for psychotherapy. Here, accompaniment by therapists is understood as mere psychological support, to maintain the safety of the substance administration. In this Personal View, we contrast these two views and argue that the characterisation of treatment with psychedelics as a biological intervention (with psychological support as a purely safety-related component) represents an outdated and reductionistic dualism that has dominated psychiatric treatment and research for far too long. This discussion has important implications for the study and the regulation of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Gründer
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; OVID Health Systems, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Manuela Brand
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lea J Mertens
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Henrik Jungaberle
- MIND Foundation, Berlin, Germany; OVID Health Systems, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Kärtner
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dennis J Scharf
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Moritz Spangemacher
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Max Wolff
- MIND Foundation, Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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10
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Solaja I, Haldane K, Mason N, Weiss B, Xu X, Xu M, Nikolin S, Jayasena T, Millard M, Brett J, Bayes A, Loo CK, Martin DM. Who are you after psychedelics? A systematic review and a meta-analysis of the magnitude of long-term effects of serotonergic psychedelics on cognition/creativity, emotional processing and personality. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105570. [PMID: 38311046 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review and a meta-analysis synthesised the results from contemporary, randomized and non-randomized controlled studies to assess lasting (one week minimum) changes on cognition/creativity, emotional processing and personality from serotonergic psychedelics. PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo were searched in July 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using Rob 2.0 and ROBINS-I. Ten studies met the eligibility criteria which involved 304 participants. No statistically significant effects were found for the majority outcome measures across the three constructs. A meta-analysis of emotional recognition outcomes found an overall significant effect for faster reaction times in the active treatment groups for disgust (SMD=-0.63, 95% CI=[-1.01 to -0.25], I2 = 65%) and sadness (SMD=-0.45, 95% CI=[-0.85 to -0.06], I2 = 60%). Future research should include larger samples, better control conditions, standardized doses and longer follow-up periods to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Solaja
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Natasha Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Brandon Weiss
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xiaomin Xu
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mei Xu
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stevan Nikolin
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tharusha Jayasena
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Adam Bayes
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Colleen K Loo
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Donel M Martin
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia
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11
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McAlpine RG, Sacchet MD, Simonsson O, Khan M, Krajnovic K, Morometescu L, Kamboj SK. Development of a digital intervention for psychedelic preparation (DIPP). Sci Rep 2024; 14:4072. [PMID: 38374177 PMCID: PMC10876638 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54642-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychedelic substances induce profound alterations in consciousness. Careful preparation is therefore essential to limit adverse reactions, enhance therapeutic benefits, and maintain user safety. This paper describes the development of a self-directed, digital intervention for psychedelic preparation. Drawing on elements from the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing complex interventions, the design was informed by a four-factor model of psychedelic preparedness, using a person-centred approach. Our mixed-methods investigation consisted of two studies. The first involved interviews with 19 participants who had previously attended a 'high-dose' psilocybin retreat, systematically exploring their preparation behaviours and perspectives on the proposed intervention. The second study engaged 28 attendees of an ongoing psilocybin retreat in co-design workshops, refining the intervention protocol using insights from the initial interviews. The outcome is a co-produced 21-day digital course (Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP)), that is organised into four modules: Knowledge-Expectation, Psychophysical-Readiness, Safety-Planning, and Intention-Preparation. Fundamental components of the course include daily meditation practice, supplementary exercises tied to the weekly modules, and mood tracking. DIPP provides a comprehensive and scalable solution to enhance psychedelic preparedness, aligning with the broader shift towards digital mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind G McAlpine
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Matthew D Sacchet
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Otto Simonsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Maisha Khan
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katarina Krajnovic
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Larisa Morometescu
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sunjeev K Kamboj
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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12
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Acevedo EC, Uhler S, White KP, Al-Shawaf L. What Predicts Beneficial Outcomes in Psychedelic Use? A Quantitative Content Analysis of Psychedelic Health Outcomes. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38341606 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2024.2314729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Interest in psychedelics and their possible therapeutic potential has been growing. Metaphysical belief theory asserts that these benefits stem from the adoption of comforting supernatural beliefs following a mystical experience. By contrast, predictive self-binding theory suggests that the beneficial outcomes of psychedelics are primarily driven by psychological insights. The present study tests these competing models of psychedelic benefits. We conducted a quantitative content analysis on unsolicited self-reports of psychedelic users available on Erowid.org, to examine the potential relations between psychological insight, ego dissolution, therapeutic intent, altered metaphysical belief, and enduring health outcomes. We randomly selected, coded, and analyzed two hundred forty psychedelic experience reports from the website. Path analysis using structural equation modeling showed that psychological insight, not metaphysical beliefs, uniquely predicted beneficial outcomes. Moreover, beneficial outcomes' positive relation to ego dissolution and therapeutic intent was fully mediated by psychological insight. These findings support the predictive self-binding model over the metaphysical belief model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias C Acevedo
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Scott Uhler
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Kaitlyn P White
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Laith Al-Shawaf
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
- Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA
- Institute for Advanced Study, Toulouse, France
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13
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McAlpine RG, Blackburne G, Kamboj SK. Development and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring 'psychedelic preparedness'. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3280. [PMID: 38332334 PMCID: PMC10853197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53829-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Preparing participants for psychedelic experiences is crucial for ensuring these experiences are safe and, potentially beneficial. However, there is currently no validated measure to assess the extent to which participants are well-prepared for such experiences. Our study aimed to address this gap by developing, validating, and testing the Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS). Using a novel iterative Delphi-focus group methodology ('DelFo'), followed by qualitative pre-test interviews, we incorporated the perspectives of expert clinicians/researchers and of psychedelic users to generate items for the scale. Psychometric validation of the PPS was carried out in two large online samples of psychedelic users (N = 516; N = 716), and the scale was also administered to a group of participants before and after a 5-7-day psilocybin retreat (N = 46). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified four factors from the 20-item PPS: Knowledge-Expectations, Intention-Preparation, Psychophysical-Readiness, and Support-Planning. The PPS demonstrated excellent reliability (ω = 0.954) and evidence supporting convergent, divergent and discriminant validity was also obtained. Significant differences between those scoring high and low (on psychedelic preparedness) before the psychedelic experience were found on measures of mental health/wellbeing outcomes assessed after the experience, suggesting that the scale has predictive utility. By prospectively measuring modifiable pre-treatment preparatory behaviours and attitudes using the PPS, it may be possible to determine whether a participant has generated the appropriate mental 'set' and is therefore likely to benefit from a psychedelic experience, or at least, less likely to be harmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind G McAlpine
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - George Blackburne
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Experimental Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sunjeev K Kamboj
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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14
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Breeksema JJ, Niemeijer A, Krediet E, Karsten T, Kamphuis J, Vermetten E, van den Brink W, Schoevers R. Patient perspectives and experiences with psilocybin treatment for treatment-resistant depression: a qualitative study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2929. [PMID: 38316896 PMCID: PMC10844281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Psilocybin is the most researched classic psychedelic for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). While optimizing set and setting are considered essential for efficacy and safety, patient perspectives on these aspects have rarely been investigated. To address this knowledge gap, the current paper explored the experiences of 11 TRD patients (8 women, 3 men) participating in a double-blind randomized clinical trial with a single session of oral (1, 10 or 25 mg) psilocybin treatment. After qualitative analysis, three major themes were identified: (1) challenges with trust-building and expectation management; (2) navigating the experience; and (3) the need for a more comprehensive treatment. Subthemes of the first theme include a general distrust in mental healthcare, trust in study therapists, limited time for preparation, and managing expectations. The second theme included the following subthemes: trusting to surrender, profound and overwhelming experiences, and music as a guide. The third theme addressed a desire for multiple psilocybin sessions, and challenges with sensemaking. Patients' perspectives provided important insights into potential optimization of psilocybin treatment of TRD, including individualized preparation, investment in trust-building, offering additional psilocybin sessions, providing access to sustained (psycho)therapy with trusted therapists, and personalizing treatment approaches, which may also enhance real-world adaption of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost J Breeksema
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center of Psychiatry, Postbus 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- OPEN Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Alistair Niemeijer
- Department of Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Krediet
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tilman Karsten
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Kamphuis
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center of Psychiatry, Postbus 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience Research, Program Compulsivity, Impulsivity and Attention, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Schoevers
- Department of Psychiatry, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center of Psychiatry, Postbus 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
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15
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Aday JS, Bloesch EK, Davis AK, Domoff SE, Scherr K, Woolley JD, Davoli CC. Effects of Ayahuasca on Gratitude and Relationships with Nature: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38310541 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2024.2312980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Qualitative studies and anecdotal reports suggest that experiences with ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew found in Central and South America, may be followed by individuals enduringly feeling more grateful and connected to nature. Yet, to date, these changes have been understudied. Here, participants (N = 54) completed validated surveys related to gratitude, nature relatedness, and nature appreciation one-week before, one-week after, and one-month after attending an ayahuasca retreat center. Compared to baseline, there was a significant increase in gratitude, nature relatedness, and nature appreciation at the one-week and one-month follow-ups. Ratings of mystical-type experiences and awe, but not ego dissolution, during participants' ayahuasca sessions were weakly-to-moderately correlated with these increases. The number of ayahuasca ceremonies attended at the retreat was not related to change in outcomes, underscoring the importance of the quality rather than the quantity of the experiences in post-acute change. Lastly, participant age was negatively related to the occurrence of mystical-type experiences and awe, supporting literature indicating blunted psychedelic effects with increased age. In the context of study limitations, the results suggest that mystical-type experiences and awe occasioned by ayahuasca may be linked to prosocial changes in gratitude and relationships with nature that may be beneficial to mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Aday
- Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
- Translational Psychedelic Research (TrPR) Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Michigan Psychedelic Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily K Bloesch
- Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Alan K Davis
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, US
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah E Domoff
- Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Kyle Scherr
- Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Josh D Woolley
- Translational Psychedelic Research (TrPR) Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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16
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Burback L, Brémault-Phillips S, Nijdam MJ, McFarlane A, Vermetten E. Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A State-of-the-art Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:557-635. [PMID: 37132142 PMCID: PMC10845104 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230428091433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative state-of-the-art review paper describes the progress in the understanding and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Over the last four decades, the scientific landscape has matured, with many interdisciplinary contributions to understanding its diagnosis, etiology, and epidemiology. Advances in genetics, neurobiology, stress pathophysiology, and brain imaging have made it apparent that chronic PTSD is a systemic disorder with high allostatic load. The current state of PTSD treatment includes a wide variety of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches, of which many are evidence-based. However, the myriad challenges inherent in the disorder, such as individual and systemic barriers to good treatment outcome, comorbidity, emotional dysregulation, suicidality, dissociation, substance use, and trauma-related guilt and shame, often render treatment response suboptimal. These challenges are discussed as drivers for emerging novel treatment approaches, including early interventions in the Golden Hours, pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, medication augmentation interventions, the use of psychedelics, as well as interventions targeting the brain and nervous system. All of this aims to improve symptom relief and clinical outcomes. Finally, a phase orientation to treatment is recognized as a tool to strategize treatment of the disorder, and position interventions in step with the progression of the pathophysiology. Revisions to guidelines and systems of care will be needed to incorporate innovative treatments as evidence emerges and they become mainstream. This generation is well-positioned to address the devastating and often chronic disabling impact of traumatic stress events through holistic, cutting-edge clinical efforts and interdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Burback
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Mirjam J. Nijdam
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Diemen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
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17
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Luan LX, Eckernäs E, Ashton M, Rosas FE, Uthaug MV, Bartha A, Jagger S, Gascon-Perai K, Gomes L, Nutt DJ, Erritzøe D, Carhart-Harris RL, Timmermann C. Psychological and physiological effects of extended DMT. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:56-67. [PMID: 37897244 PMCID: PMC10851633 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231196877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a serotonergic psychedelic that induces a rapid and transient altered state of consciousness when inhaled or injected via bolus administration. Its marked and novel subjective effects make DMT a powerful tool for the neuroscientific study of consciousness and preliminary results show its potential role in treating mental health conditions. In a within-subjects, placebo-controlled study, we investigated a novel method of DMT administration involving a bolus injection paired with a constant-rate infusion, with the goal of extending the DMT experience. Pharmacokinetic parameters of DMT estimated from plasma data of a previous study of bolus intravenous DMT were used to derive dose regimens necessary to keep subjects in steady levels of immersion into the DMT experience over an extended period of 30 min, and four dose regimens consisting of a bolus loading dose and a slow-rate infusion were tested in eleven healthy volunteers (seven male, four female, mean age ± SD = 37.09 ± 8.93 years). The present method is effective for extending the DMT experience in a stable and tolerable fashion. While subjective effects were maintained over the period of active infusion, anxiety ratings remained low and heart rate habituated within 15 min, indicating psychological and physiological safety of extended DMT. Plasma DMT concentrations increased consistently starting 10 min into DMT administration, whereas psychological effects plateaued into the desired steady state, suggesting the development of acute psychological tolerance to DMT. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of continuous IV DMT administration, laying the groundwork for the further development of this method of administration for basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa X Luan
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Eckernäs
- Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Department of Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Ashton
- Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Department of Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fernando E Rosas
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Malin V Uthaug
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Somnivore Ply Ltd, Australia
| | - Alexander Bartha
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Samantha Jagger
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kiara Gascon-Perai
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lauren Gomes
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Erritzøe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Psychedelics Division–Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Timmermann
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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18
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Borkel LF, Rojas-Hernández J, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Santana Del Pino Á, Quintana-Hernández DJ. Set and setting predict psychopathology, wellbeing and meaningfulness of psychedelic experiences: a correlational study. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:165-176. [PMID: 38108102 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2295997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In psychedelic therapy, the importance of set and setting is a fundamental but under-researched assumption. The aim of this study is to correlate variables of set (psychedelic use motivation) and setting (psychedelic use location and type of companion) with psychopathology, wellbeing and personality variables. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A sample of 1022 participants of the Spanish-speaking population was collected through an online survey. A novel instrument, the Psychedelic Use Scale (PUS), was developed to measure substance use variables of LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, DMT, 5-Meo-DMT, ketamine, Salvia divinorum, ibogaine and MDMA. Various personality, well-being and psychopathology instruments were implemented to measure outcome variables. RESULTS Growth motivations, natural settings and presence of significant others predicted less psychopathology, greater wellbeing and meaningfulness of psychedelic experiences, whereas problematic motivations predicted greater psychopathology, lower wellbeing and did not predict meaningfulness of psychedelic experiences. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, we suggest experimental hypotheses for future clinical trials and longitudinal studies with potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas F Borkel
- Asociación Científica Psicodélica, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jaime Rojas-Hernández
- Asociación Científica Psicodélica, Canary Islands, Spain
- Asociación Canaria para el Desarrollo de la Salud a través de la Atención, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Asociación Científica Psicodélica, Canary Islands, Spain
- Unidad de Toxicología, Departamento de Ciencias Clínicas, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ángelo Santana Del Pino
- Departmento de Matemáticas, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Domingo J Quintana-Hernández
- Asociación Científica Psicodélica, Canary Islands, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Atlántico Medio, Canary Islands, Spain
- Instituto-AS, Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
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19
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Zaretsky TG, Jagodnik KM, Barsic R, Antonio JH, Bonanno PA, MacLeod C, Pierce C, Carney H, Morrison MT, Saylor C, Danias G, Lepow L, Yehuda R. The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:636-735. [PMID: 38284341 PMCID: PMC10845102 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231027111147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estimated 12 million U.S. adults are presently affected by this disorder. Current treatments include psychological therapies (e.g., exposure-based interventions) and pharmacological treatments (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)). However, a significant proportion of patients receiving standard-of-care therapies for PTSD remain symptomatic, and new approaches for this and other trauma-related mental health conditions are greatly needed. Psychedelic compounds that alter cognition, perception, and mood are currently being examined for their efficacy in treating PTSD despite their current status as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)- scheduled substances. Initial clinical trials have demonstrated the potential value of psychedelicassisted therapy to treat PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the state of the science of PTSD clinical care, including current treatments and their shortcomings. We review clinical studies of psychedelic interventions to treat PTSD, trauma-related disorders, and common comorbidities. The classic psychedelics psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and DMT-containing ayahuasca, as well as the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and the dissociative anesthetic ketamine, are reviewed. For each drug, we present the history of use, psychological and somatic effects, pharmacology, and safety profile. The rationale and proposed mechanisms for use in treating PTSD and traumarelated disorders are discussed. This review concludes with an in-depth consideration of future directions for the psychiatric applications of psychedelics to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize risk in individuals and communities impacted by trauma-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Glatman Zaretsky
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Jagodnik
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Barsic
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josimar Hernandez Antonio
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip A. Bonanno
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn MacLeod
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlotte Pierce
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hunter Carney
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan T. Morrison
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Saylor
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Danias
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Lepow
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Weiss B, Ginige I, Shannon L, Giribaldi B, Murphy-Beiner A, Murphy R, Baker-Jones M, Martell J, Nutt DJ, Carhart-Harris RL, Erritzoe D. Personality change in a trial of psilocybin therapy v. escitalopram treatment for depression. Psychol Med 2024; 54:178-192. [PMID: 37264814 PMCID: PMC10692311 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723001514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psilocybin Therapy (PT) is being increasingly studied as a psychiatric intervention. Personality relates to mental health and can be used to probe the nature of PT's therapeutic action. METHODS In a phase 2, double-blind, randomized, active comparator controlled trial involving patients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder, we compared psilocybin with escitalopram, over a core 6-week trial period. Five-Factor model personality domains, Big Five Aspect Scale Openness aspects, Absorption, and Impulsivity were measured at Baseline, Week 6, and Month 6 follow-up. RESULTS PT was associated with decreases in neuroticism (B = -0.63), introversion (B = -0.38), disagreeableness (B = -0.47), impulsivity (B = -0.40), and increases in absorption (B = 0.32), conscientiousness (B = 0.30), and openness (B = 0.23) at week 6, with neuroticism (B = -0.47) and disagreeableness (B = -0.41) remaining decreased at month 6. Escitalopram Treatment (ET) was associated with decreases in neuroticism (B = -0.38), disagreeableness (B = -0.26), impulsivity (B = -0.35), and increases in openness (B = 0.28) at week 6, with neuroticism (B = -0.46) remaining decreased at month 6. No significant between-condition differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS Personality changes across both conditions were in a direction consistent with improved mental health. With the possible exception of trait absorption, there were no compelling between-condition differences warranting conclusions regarding a selective action of PT (v. ET) on personality; however, post-ET changes in personality were significantly moderated by pre-trial positive expectancy for escitalopram, whereas expectancy did not moderate response to PT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Weiss
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Induni Ginige
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lu Shannon
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bruna Giribaldi
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Roberta Murphy
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michelle Baker-Jones
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonny Martell
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David J. Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Robin L. Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Pouyan N, Younesi Sisi F, Kargar A, Scheidegger M, McIntyre RS, Morrow JD. The effects of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) on the Positive Valence Systems: A Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)-Informed Systematic Review. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:1027-1063. [PMID: 37999867 PMCID: PMC10703966 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The renewed interest in psychedelic research provides growing evidence of potentially unique effects on various aspects of reward processing systems. Using the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, as proposed by the National Institute of Mental Health, we aim to synthesize the existing literature concerning the impact of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on the RDoC's Positive Valence Systems (PVS) domain, and to identify potential avenues for further research. METHODS Two LSD-related terms (lysergic acid diethylamide and LSD) and 13 PVS-related terms (reward, happiness, bliss, motivation, reinforcement learning, operant, conditioning, satisfaction, decision making, habit, valence, affect, mood) were used to search electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO, and Web of Science for relevant articles. A manual search of the reference list resulted in nine additional articles. After screening, articles and data were evaluated and included based on their relevance to the objective of investigating the effects of LSD on the PVS. Articles and data were excluded if they did not provide information about the PVS, were observational in nature, lacked comparators or reference groups, or were duplicates. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the National Toxicology Program's Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP OHAT) risk of bias (RoB) tool. Data from the included articles were collected and structured based on the RDoC bio-behavioral matrix, specifically focusing on the PVS domain and its three constituent constructs: reward responsiveness, reward learning, and reward valuation. RESULTS We reviewed 28 clinical studies with 477 participants. Lysergic acid diethylamide, assessed at self-report (23 studies), molecular (5 studies), circuit (4 studies), and paradigm (3 studies) levels, exhibited dose-dependent mood improvement (20 short-term and 3 long-term studies). The subjective and neural effects of LSD were linked to the 5-HT2A receptor (molecular). Animal studies (14 studies) suggested LSD could mildly reinforce conditioned place preference without aversion and reduce responsiveness to other rewards. Findings on reward learning were inconsistent but hinted at potential associative learning enhancements. Reward valuation measures indicated potential reductions in effort expenditure for other reinforcers. CONCLUSION Our findings are consistent with our previous work, which indicated classical psychedelics, primarily serotonin 2A receptor agonists, enhanced reward responsiveness in healthy individuals and patient populations. Lysergic acid diethylamide exhibits a unique profile in the reward learning and valuation constructs. Using the RDoC-based framework, we identified areas for future research, enhancing our understanding of the impact of LSD on reward processing. However, applying RDoC to psychedelic research faces limitations due to diverse study designs that were not initially RDoC-oriented. Limitations include subjective outcome measure selection aligned with RDoC constructs and potential bias in synthesizing varied studies. Additionally, some human studies were open-label, introducing potential bias compared to randomized, blinded studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Pouyan
- Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC), and Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center (CPFRC), University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, and Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS), University of Michigan Medical School, 1135 Catherine Street, Box 5619, 2960 Taubman Health Science Library, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Aracell Zist Darou pharmaceutical, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farnaz Younesi Sisi
- Yaadmaan Institute for Brain, Cognition and Memory Studies, Tehran, Iran
- Cognitive Neurology and Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Kargar
- Cognitive Neurology and Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milan Scheidegger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit (MDPU), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Morrow
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, and Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS), University of Michigan Medical School, 1135 Catherine Street, Box 5619, 2960 Taubman Health Science Library, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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22
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Nutt DJ, Peill JM, Weiss B, Godfrey K, Carhart-Harris RL, Erritzoe D. Psilocybin and Other Classic Psychedelics in Depression. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37955822 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and ketamine are returning to clinical research and intervention across several disorders including the treatment of depression. This chapter focusses on psychedelics that specifically target the 5-HT2A receptor such as psilocybin and DMT. These produce plasma-concentration related psychological effects such as hallucinations and out of body experiences, insightful and emotional breakthroughs as well as mystical-type experiences. When coupled with psychological support, effects can produce a rapid improvement in mood among people with depression that can last for months. In this chapter, we summarise the scientific studies to date that explore the use of psychedelics in depressed individuals, highlighting key clinical, psychological and neuroimaging features of psychedelics that may account for their therapeutic effects. These include alterations in brain entropy that disrupt fixed negative ruminations, a period of post-treatment increased cognitive flexibility, and changes in self-referential psychological processes. Finally, we propose that the brain mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of serotonergic psychedelics might be distinct from those underlying classical serotonin reuptake-blocking antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Nutt
- Centres for Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - J M Peill
- Centres for Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - B Weiss
- Centres for Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - K Godfrey
- Centres for Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - R L Carhart-Harris
- Centres for Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Erritzoe
- Centres for Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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23
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Ko K, Carter B, Cleare AJ, Rucker JJ. Predicting the Intensity of Psychedelic-Induced Mystical and Challenging Experience in a Healthy Population: An Exploratory Post-Hoc Analysis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:2105-2113. [PMID: 37818448 PMCID: PMC10561760 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s426193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In psychedelic therapy, mystical as well as challenging experience may influence therapeutic outcome. However, predictors of such experience have not been sufficiently established. Determining predictors of their intensity is, therefore, potentially beneficial in targeting psilocybin therapy for depression. Methods In a post hoc data analysis of a Phase 1, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-groups clinical trial, dosage, personality traits, affect, and individual data were analysed as possible clinical predictors. Eighty-nine healthy volunteers were randomised to receive a single dose of placebo, 10 mg of psilocybin, or 25 mg of psilocybin. ANOVA was used to analyse the relationship between dosage and mystical and/or challenging experience, and correlation analysis for all other variables. Results The intensity of both mystical and challenging experience was strongly associated with higher dosage. Age was negatively correlated with intensity of challenging experience. Correlation between identified personality traits and either mystical or challenging experience was minimal, with the exception of positive correlation between neuroticism and challenging experience at higher dose. Neither positive nor negative affect indicated correlation with the intensity of either type of experience. Discussion A limitation of this study is its post hoc, exploratory design; recommendations for further research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwonmok Ko
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Ben Carter
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Anthony J Cleare
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, BR3 3BX, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, BR3 3BX, UK
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24
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Bremler R, Katati N, Shergill P, Erritzoe D, Carhart-Harris RL. Case analysis of long-term negative psychological responses to psychedelics. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15998. [PMID: 37749109 PMCID: PMC10519946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent controversies have arisen regarding claims of uncritical positive regard and hype surrounding psychedelic drugs and their therapeutic potential. Criticisms have included that study designs and reporting styles bias positive over negative outcomes. The present study was motivated by a desire to address this alleged bias by intentionally focusing exclusively on negative outcomes, defined as self-perceived 'negative' psychological responses lasting for at least 72 h after psychedelic use. A strong justification for this selective focus was that it might improve our ability to capture otherwise missed cases of negative response, enabling us to validate their existence and better examine their nature, as well as possible causes, which could inspire risk-mitigation strategies. Via advertisements posted on social media, individuals were recruited who reported experiencing negative psychological responses to psychedelics (defined as classic psychedelics plus MDMA) lasting for greater than 72 h since using. Volunteers were directed to an online questionnaire requiring quantitative and qualitative input. A key second phase of this study involved reviewing all of the submitted cases, identifying the most severe-e.g., where new psychiatric diagnoses were made or pre-existing symptoms made worse post psychedelic-use-and inviting these individuals to participate in a semi-structured interview with two members of our research team, during which participant experiences and backgrounds were examined in greater depth. Based on the content of these interviews, a brief summary of each case was compiled, and an explorative thematic analysis was used to identify salient and consistent themes and infer common causes. 32 individuals fully completed an onboarding questionnaire (56% male, 53% < age 25); 37.5% of completers had a psychiatric diagnosis that emerged after their psychedelic experience, and anxiety symptoms arose or worsened in 87%. Twenty of the seemingly severer cases were invited to be interviewed; of these, 15 accepted an in-depth interview that lasted on average 60 min. This sample was 40% male, mean age = 31 ± 7. Five of the 15 (i.e., 33%) reported receiving new psychiatric diagnoses after psychedelic-use and all fifteen reported the occurrence or worsening of psychiatric symptoms post use, with a predominance of anxiety symptoms (93%). Distilling the content of the interviews suggested the following potential causal factors: unsafe or complex environments during or surrounding the experience, unpleasant acute experiences (classic psychedelics), prior psychological vulnerabilities, high- or unknown drug quantities and young age. The current exploratory findings corroborate the reality of mental health iatrogenesis via psychedelic-use but due to design limitations and sample size, cannot be used to infer on its prevalence. Based on interview reports, we can infer a common, albeit multifaceted, causal mechanism, namely the combining of a pro-plasticity drug-that was often 'over-dosed'-with adverse contextual conditions and/or special psychological vulnerability-either by young age or significant psychiatric history. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and selective sample and study focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Bremler
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Nancy Katati
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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25
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Nayak SM, Jackson H, Sepeda ND, Mathai DS, So S, Yaffe A, Zaki H, Brasher TJ, Lowe MX, Jolly DRP, Barrett FS, Griffiths RR, Strickland JC, Johnson MW, Jackson H, Garcia-Romeu A. Naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing: results from a prospective, longitudinal survey. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1199642. [PMID: 37795509 PMCID: PMC10545967 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1199642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The classic psychedelic psilocybin, found in some mushroom species, has received renewed interest in clinical research, showing potential mental health benefits in preliminary trials. Naturalistic use of psilocybin outside of research settings has increased in recent years, though data on the public health impact of such use remain limited. Methods This prospective, longitudinal study comprised six sequential automated web-based surveys that collected data from adults planning to take psilocybin outside clinical research: at time of consent, 2 weeks before, the day before, 1-3 days after, 2-4 weeks after, and 2-3 months after psilocybin use. Results A sample of 2,833 respondents completed all baseline assessments approximately 2 weeks before psilocybin use, 1,182 completed the 2-4 week post-use survey, and 657 completed the final follow-up survey 2-3 months after psilocybin use. Participants were primarily college-educated White men residing in the United States with a prior history of psychedelic use; mean age = 40 years. Participants primarily used dried psilocybin mushrooms (mean dose = 3.1 grams) for "self-exploration" purposes. Prospective longitudinal data collected before and after a planned psilocybin experience on average showed persisting reductions in anxiety, depression, and alcohol misuse, increased cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, spiritual wellbeing, and extraversion, and reduced neuroticism and burnout after psilocybin use. However, a minority of participants (11% at 2-4 weeks and 7% at 2-3 months) reported persisting negative effects after psilocybin use (e.g., mood fluctuations, depressive symptoms). Discussion Results from this study, the largest prospective survey of naturalistic psilocybin use to date, support the potential for psilocybin to produce lasting improvements in mental health symptoms and general wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep M. Nayak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hillary Jackson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nathan D. Sepeda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - David S. Mathai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sara So
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Abigail Yaffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hadi Zaki
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | | | - Frederick S. Barrett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Roland R. Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Justin C. Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Matthew W. Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Kalfas M, Taylor RH, Tsapekos D, Young AH. Psychedelics for treatment resistant depression: are they game changers? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:2117-2132. [PMID: 37947195 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2281582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A new era of treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which involves psychedelic substances, is dawning. Emerging evidence indicates that psychedelics can exert antidepressant effects through multiple neurobiological and psychological mechanisms. However, it remains to be seen if these new treatments will revolutionize the treatment of TRD. AREAS COVERED The present review focuses on the efficacy of serotoninergic psychedelics psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ayahuasca, 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine), as well as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), for TRD. A systematic search was conducted for psilocybin in TRD as emerging trials had not yet been subject to review. A narrative review summarized findings on other psychedelics. EXPERT OPINION Psychedelic therapy has created a paradigm shift in the treatment of TRD, as it can maximize therapeutic benefits and minimize potential risks. Psilocybin holds promise as a potential game-changer in the treatment of TRD, with initial evidence suggesting a rapid antidepressant effect sustained for some responders for at least 3 months. Nevertheless, further adequately powered, double-blind, comparator-controlled trials are required to explore and clarify the mechanisms of action and long-term effects of psychedelics in TRD. Psychedelics also hold promise for other psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Kalfas
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rosie H Taylor
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Allan H Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Simonsson O, Carlbring P, Carhart-Harris R, Davis AK, Nutt DJ, Griffiths RR, Erritzoe D, Goldberg SB. Assessing the risk of symptom worsening in psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2023; 327:115349. [PMID: 37523886 PMCID: PMC10528683 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a meta-analysis using individual participant data from three, two-dose psilocybin trials for depression (N = 102) with the aim of assessing the risk of symptom worsening. Clinically significant symptom worsening occurred for a minority of participants in the psilocybin and escitalopram conditions (∼10%) and for a majority of participants in the waitlist condition (63.6%). Using data from the two trials with control arms, the psilocybin arm showed a lower likelihood of symptom worsening versus waitlist, and no difference in the likelihood of symptom worsening versus escitalopram. The limitation of a relatively small sample size should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Simonsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Norra Stationsgatan 69, Stockholm 113 64, Sweden; Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robin Carhart-Harris
- Neuroscape Psychedelics Division, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan K Davis
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roland R Griffiths
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon B Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
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Pronovost-Morgan C, Hartogsohn I, Ramaekers JG. Harnessing placebo: Lessons from psychedelic science. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:866-875. [PMID: 37392012 PMCID: PMC10481630 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231182602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The randomized controlled trial (RCT) research design assumes that a drug's "specific" effect can be isolated, added, and subtracted from the "nonspecific" effect of context and person. While RCTs are helpful in assessing the added benefit of a novel drug, they tend to obscure the curative potential of extra-pharmacological variables, known as "the placebo effect." Ample empirical evidence suggests that person/context-dependent physical, social, and cultural variables not only add to, but also shape drug effects, making them worth harnessing for patient benefits. Nevertheless, utilizing placebo effects in medicine is challenging due to conceptual and normative obstacles. In this article, we propose a new framework inspired by the field of psychedelic science and its employment of the "set and setting" concept. This framework acknowledges that drug and nondrug factors have an interactive and synergistic relationship. From it, we suggest ways to reintegrate nondrug variables into the biomedical toolbox, to ethically harness the placebo effect for improved clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Pronovost-Morgan
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ido Hartogsohn
- The Program for Science, Technology and Society Studies, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Zeifman RJ, Kettner H, Pagni BA, Mallard A, Roberts DE, Erritzoe D, Ross S, Carhart-Harris RL. Co-use of MDMA with psilocybin/LSD may buffer against challenging experiences and enhance positive experiences. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13645. [PMID: 37608057 PMCID: PMC10444769 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40856-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) experiences can range from very positive to highly challenging (e.g., fear, grief, and paranoia). These challenging experiences contribute to hesitancy toward psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy among health care providers and patients. Co-use of 3,4-Methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) with psilocybin/LSD anecdotally reduces challenging experiences and enhances positive experiences associated with psilocybin/LSD. However, limited research has investigated the acute effects of co-use of MDMA and psilocybin/LSD. In a prospective convenience sample (N = 698) of individuals with plans to use psilocybin/LSD, we examined whether co-use of MDMA with psilocybin/LSD (n = 27) is associated with differences in challenging or positive experiences. Challenging experiences were measured using the Challenging Experiences Questionnaire and positive experiences were measured using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and single-item measures of self-compassion, compassion, love, and gratitude. Potentially confounding variables were identified and included as covariates. Relative to psilocybin/LSD alone, co-use of psilocybin/LSD with a self-reported low (but not medium-high) dose of MDMA was associated with significantly less intense total challenging experiences, grief, and fear, as well as increased self-compassion, love and gratitude. Co-use of psilocybin/LSD and MDMA was not associated with differences in mystical-type experiences or compassion. Findings suggest co-use of MDMA with psilocybin/LSD may buffer against some aspects of challenging experiences and enhance certain positive experiences. Limitations include use of a convenience sample, small sample size, and non-experimental design. Additional studies (including controlled dose-response studies) that examine the effects and safety of co-administering MDMA with psilocybin/LSD (in healthy controls and clinical samples) are warranted and may assist the development of personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Zeifman
- NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Hannes Kettner
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Broc A Pagni
- NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Austin Mallard
- NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Daniel E Roberts
- NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Ross
- NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 1 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Kargbo RB. Microbiome: The Next Frontier in Psychedelic Renaissance. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:386-401. [PMID: 37606422 PMCID: PMC10443327 DOI: 10.3390/jox13030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The psychedelic renaissance has reignited interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for mental health and well-being. An emerging area of interest is the potential modulation of psychedelic effects by the gut microbiome-the ecosystem of microorganisms in our digestive tract. This review explores the intersection of the gut microbiome and psychedelic therapy, underlining potential implications for personalized medicine and mental health. We delve into the current understanding of the gut-brain axis, its influence on mood, cognition, and behavior, and how the microbiome may affect the metabolism and bioavailability of psychedelic substances. We also discuss the role of microbiome variations in shaping individual responses to psychedelics, along with potential risks and benefits. Moreover, we consider the prospect of microbiome-targeted interventions as a fresh approach to boost or modulate psychedelic therapy's effectiveness. By integrating insights from the fields of psychopharmacology, microbiology, and neuroscience, our objective is to advance knowledge about the intricate relationship between the microbiome and psychedelic substances, thereby paving the way for novel strategies to optimize mental health outcomes amid the ongoing psychedelic renaissance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Kargbo
- Usona Institute, 2800 Woods Hollow Rd., Madison, WI 53711-5300, USA
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31
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Hipólito I, Mago J, Rosas FE, Carhart-Harris R. Pattern breaking: a complex systems approach to psychedelic medicine. Neurosci Conscious 2023; 2023:niad017. [PMID: 37424966 PMCID: PMC10325487 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated the potential of psychedelic therapy for mental health care. However, the psychological experience underlying its therapeutic effects remains poorly understood. This paper proposes a framework that suggests psychedelics act as destabilizers, both psychologically and neurophysiologically. Drawing on the 'entropic brain' hypothesis and the 'RElaxed Beliefs Under pSychedelics' model, this paper focuses on the richness of psychological experience. Through a complex systems theory perspective, we suggest that psychedelics destabilize fixed points or attractors, breaking reinforced patterns of thinking and behaving. Our approach explains how psychedelic-induced increases in brain entropy destabilize neurophysiological set points and lead to new conceptualizations of psychedelic psychotherapy. These insights have important implications for risk mitigation and treatment optimization in psychedelic medicine, both during the peak psychedelic experience and during the subacute period of potential recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Hipólito
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
- Department of Philosophy, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Jonas Mago
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, United Kingdom
- Integrative Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec QC H3A, Canada
| | - Fernando E Rosas
- Department of Brain Sciences, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
- Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
- Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RH, United Kingdom
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9BX, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Carhart-Harris
- Department of Brain Sciences, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
- Psychedelics Division, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 92521, United States
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Schindler EAD, Hendricks PS. Adapting psychedelic medicine for headache and chronic pain disorders. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:867-882. [PMID: 37652000 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2246655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While the majority of current research and development surrounds depression, demoralization, and substance use disorders, there are numerous reports of psychedelics having beneficial effects in other branches of medicine, including for headache disorders and chronic pain. AREAS COVERED This perspective reviews conventional forms of treatment for headache and other chronic pain disorders and describes historical, recent, and ongoing investigations of the therapeutic effects of psychedelics in these disorders. The first two clinical trials of psilocybin in headache disorders and recent case reports of psilocybin mushroom self-administration in chronic pain patients are described. This perspective highlights several factors related to the application of psychedelics in chronic pain disorders, comparing this with the standard psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy model of treatment. EXPERT OPINION When faced with a more constricted view of psychedelic medicine that features larger doses, underscores subjective effects in the mediation of therapeutic outcomes, and requires adjunctive psychotherapy to ensure safety and efficacy, the application of psychedelics in headache and chronic pain disorders may face challenges. It will be important to allow for flexibility and adaptation in protocols to evaluate different treatment paradigms, mechanisms of action, and the range of pharmacologic and extra-pharmacologic factors that affect psychedelic treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle A D Schindler
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, New Haven, CT, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, Headache Center of Excellence, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Peter S Hendricks
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Modlin NL, Miller TM, Rucker JJ, Kirlic N, Lennard-Jones M, Schlosser D, Aaronson ST. Optimizing outcomes in psilocybin therapy: Considerations in participant evaluation and preparation. J Affect Disord 2023; 326:18-25. [PMID: 36707036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated the promise of psilocybin therapies in creating positive changes for those with poor mental health across multiple diagnostic categories, including major depressive disorder (MDD), end-of-life anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While there may be a large population that is eligible to participate in psilocybin therapy based on psychiatric diagnosis and medical clearance, little attention has been given to intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that might influence patient's readiness (i.e., eligibility and capacity) for psychedelic interventions. This paper proposes that readiness assessment includes both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors in order to improve safety, patient care, and treatment outcomes. While at the present time a reliable and valid instrument has not been developed, we propose that three specific areas of focus - patient presentation, therapeutic alliance, and patient safety - may be used to establish a patient's readiness for psilocybin therapy, thus increasing therapy optimization and personalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Liam Modlin
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tammy M Miller
- Institute for Advanced Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Sheppard Pratt, Towson, MD, United States of America
| | - James J Rucker
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Danielle Schlosser
- Compass Pathfinder Ltd, London, United Kingdom; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Scott T Aaronson
- Institute for Advanced Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Sheppard Pratt, Towson, MD, United States of America; University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 701 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America.
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Johnston JN, Kadriu B, Allen J, Gilbert JR, Henter ID, Zarate CA. Ketamine and serotonergic psychedelics: An update on the mechanisms and biosignatures underlying rapid-acting antidepressant treatment. Neuropharmacology 2023; 226:109422. [PMID: 36646310 PMCID: PMC9983360 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of ketamine as a rapid-acting antidepressant spurred significant research to understand its underlying mechanisms of action and to identify other novel compounds that may act similarly. Serotonergic psychedelics (SPs) have shown initial promise in treating depression, though the challenge of conducting randomized controlled trials with SPs and the necessity of long-term clinical observation are important limitations. This review summarizes the similarities and differences between the psychoactive effects associated with both ketamine and SPs and the mechanisms of action of these compounds, with a focus on the monoaminergic, glutamatergic, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic, opioid, and inflammatory systems. Both molecular and neuroimaging aspects are considered. While their main mechanisms of action differ-SPs increase serotonergic signaling while ketamine is a glutamatergic modulator-evidence suggests that the downstream mechanisms of action of both ketamine and SPs include mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and downstream GABAA receptor activity. The similarities in downstream mechanisms may explain why ketamine, and potentially SPs, exert rapid-acting antidepressant effects. However, research on SPs is still in its infancy compared to the ongoing research that has been conducted with ketamine. For both therapeutics, issues with regulation and proper controls should be addressed before more widespread implementation. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Ketamine and its Metabolites".
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa N Johnston
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Bashkim Kadriu
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Josh Allen
- The Alfred Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jessica R Gilbert
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Ioline D Henter
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Kopra EI, Ferris JA, Winstock AR, Kuypers KP, Young AH, Rucker JJ. Investigation of self-treatment with lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin mushrooms: Findings from the Global Drug Survey 2020. J Psychopharmacol 2023:2698811231158245. [PMID: 36876583 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231158245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing numbers of people are using psychedelics for personal psychotherapy outside clinical settings, but research on such use is scarce. AIMS This study investigated the patterns of use, self-reported outcomes and outcome predictors of psychedelic 'self-treatment' of mental health conditions or specific worries/concerns in life. METHODS We use data from the Global Drug Survey 2020, a large online survey on drug use collected between November 2019 and February 2020. In all, 3364 respondents reported their self-treatment experiences with lysergic acid diethylamide (N = 1996) or psilocybin mushrooms (N = 1368). The primary outcome of interest was the 17-item self-treatment outcome scale, items reflecting aspects of well-being, psychiatric symptoms, social-emotional skills, and health behaviours. RESULTS Positive changes were observed across all 17 outcome items, with the strongest benefits on items related to insight and mood. Negative effects were reported by 22.5% of respondents. High intensity of psychedelic experience, seeking advice before treatment, treating with psilocybin mushrooms and treating post-traumatic stress disorder were associated with higher scores on the self-treatment outcome scale after averaging values across all 17 items. Younger age, high intensity of experience and treating with LSD were associated with increased number of negative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study brings important insights into self-treatment practices with psychedelics in a large international sample. Outcomes were generally favourable, but negative effects appeared more frequent than in clinical settings. Our findings can help inform safe practices of psychedelic use in the community, and inspire clinical research. Future research can be improved with utilisation of prospective designs and additional predictive variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma I Kopra
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jason A Ferris
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Adam R Winstock
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK.,Global Drug Survey Ltd, London, UK
| | - Kim Pc Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Allan H Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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36
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Kaup KK, Vasser M, Tulver K, Munk M, Pikamäe J, Aru J. Psychedelic replications in virtual reality and their potential as a therapeutic instrument: an open-label feasibility study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1088896. [PMID: 36937731 PMCID: PMC10022432 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1088896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent research has shown promising results for the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. One popular view claims that these benefits are mediated by the subjective experiences induced by these substances. Based on this, we designed a virtual reality experience, Psyrreal, that mimics the phenomenological components of psychedelic experiences. Aims We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Psyrreal and psychedelic VR experiences in treating depressive symptoms as well as explore the effect of Psyrreal on subjective factors which have been suggested to mediate the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. Methods In this open-label feasibility study, thirteen participants with mild-to-moderate depression underwent a 2-day therapeutic intervention implementing Psyrreal. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Emotional State Questionnaire (EST-Q2) at the start of the intervention and 2 weeks after. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews after Psyrreal was also conducted as an additional assessment of the method. Results A 2-day intervention implementing Psyrreal led to significant decreases in depressive symptoms at the 2-week follow-up (n = 10, p = 0.007, Hedges' g = 1.046) measured by the Emotional State Questionnaire (EST-Q2). The analysis of semi-structured interviews suggests that Psyrreal could lead to insight and alterations in the sense of self in some people. Conclusion This work proposes a novel method using virtual reality to augment the treatment of psychological disorders as well as to precisely investigate the mediating subjective factors of the therapeutic effects of psychedelic substances. Our preliminary results suggest that VR experiences combined with psychological support show potential in treating depressive symptoms and further research into similar methods is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madis Vasser
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kadi Tulver
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mari Munk
- Psychiatry Clinic of North Estonia Medical Centre, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Juhan Pikamäe
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jaan Aru
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Sayalı C, Barrett FS. The costs and benefits of psychedelics on cognition and mood. Neuron 2023; 111:614-630. [PMID: 36681076 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Anecdotal evidence has indicated that psychedelic substances may acutely enhance creative task performance, although empirical support for this claim is mixed at best. Clinical research has shown that psychedelics might have enduring effects on mood and well-being. However, there is no neurocognitive framework that ties acute changes in cognition to long-term effects in mood. In this review, we operationalize creativity within an emerging cognitive control framework and assess the current empirical evidence of the effects of psychedelics on creativity. Next, we leverage insights about the mechanisms and computations by which other psychoactive drugs act to enhance versus impair cognition, in particular to those that act on catecholamines, the neurophysiological consequences of which are relatively well understood. Finally, we use the same framework to link the suggested psychedelic-induced improvements in creativity with enduring psychedelic-induced improvements in mood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceyda Sayalı
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Frederick S Barrett
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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38
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Kargbo RB. Psychedelic-Assisted Neuroplasticity for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:133-135. [PMID: 36793424 PMCID: PMC9923829 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The renaissance of research into psychedelics class of drugs has renewed interest for a possible psychedelic clinical therapy for treating psychiatric conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, major depressive-disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other neuropsychiatric diseases. Psychedelics are known to stimulate neurogenesis and gliogenesis, reduce inflammation, and ameliorate oxidative stress, which makes them promising candidates for therapeutics in psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and movement disorders. The patent highlight showcase methods for treating mental health disorders and promoting neural plasticity.
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A neurophenomenological approach to non-ordinary states of consciousness: hypnosis, meditation, and psychedelics. Trends Cogn Sci 2023; 27:139-159. [PMID: 36566091 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
No contemporary unifying framework has been provided for the study of non-ordinary states of consciousness (NSCs) despite increased interest in hypnosis, meditation, and psychedelics. NSCs induce shifts in experiential contents (what appears to the experiencer) and/or structure (how it appears). This can allow the investigation of the plastic and dynamic nature of experience from a multiscale perspective that includes mind, brain, body, and context. We propose a neurophenomenological (NP) approach to the study of NSCs which highlights their role as catalysts of transformation in clinical practice by refining our understanding of the relationships between experiential (subjective) and neural dynamics. We outline the ethical implications of the NP approach for standard conceptions of health and pathology as well as the crucial role of experience-based know-how in NSC-related research and application.
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Strika-Bruneau L, Fauvel B, Dupuis D, Benyamina A. Articulation de la thérapie d’acceptation et d’engagement à la psychothérapie assistée par psychédéliques en addictologie. L'ÉVOLUTION PSYCHIATRIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evopsy.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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St Arnaud KO, Sharpe D. Contextual Parameters Associated with Positive and Negative Mental Health in Recreational Psychedelic Users. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023; 55:30-39. [PMID: 35156542 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2039815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Growing research exploring the utility of psychedelic substances suggests that they not only hold promise for clinical practice but may enhance mental health through recreational use as well. However, given the importance of set and setting for maximizing benefits and minimizing harms of drug use, it is important to develop a foundational understanding of the contextual factors associated with positive and negative mental health in psychedelic users. Accordingly, data were collected using an internet-based survey of psychedelic drug users (n = 511). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to explore to what degree life-time use, frequency of use, dose size, group use, intentions for use, and post-use integration predict mental health in psychedelic users. In particular, using psychedelics with high frequency and to cope with negative affect were found to predict negative mental health. Conversely, using psychedelics in a group setting, with self-expansive intentions, and integrating post-use were found to predict positive mental health. Findings suggest that recreational psychedelic use may either enhance or diminish mental health depending on the contextual parameters of use. Limitations and areas for further research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O St Arnaud
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University of Edmonton, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Donald Sharpe
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
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Psilocybin for Depression: From Credibility to Feasibility, What's Missing? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010068. [PMID: 36678564 PMCID: PMC9861656 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Psilocybin has been suggested as a promising transdiagnostic treatment strategy for a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Recent findings showed that psychedelic-assisted/"psycholitic" psychotherapy should provide significant and sustained alleviation of depressive symptoms. However, to date, there have been several study limitations (e.g., small sample sizes, blinding, limited follow-up, highly screened treatment populations) and some health/political issues, including practitioners' experience, lack of standardized protocols, psychedelics' legal status, ethical concerns, and potential psychological/psychopathological/medical untoward effects. The focus here is on a range of clinical and methodological issues, also aiming at outlining some possible suggestions. We are confident that newer evidence, more precise protocols, and eventual reclassification policies may allow a better understanding of the real potential of psilocybin as a transdiagnostic therapeutic molecule.
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Stoliker D, Egan GF, Friston KJ, Razi A. Neural Mechanisms and Psychology of Psychedelic Ego Dissolution. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:876-917. [PMID: 36786290 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies of psychedelics have advanced our understanding of hierarchical brain organization and the mechanisms underlying their subjective and therapeutic effects. The primary mechanism of action of classic psychedelics is binding to serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Agonist activity at these receptors leads to neuromodulatory changes in synaptic efficacy that can have a profound effect on hierarchical message-passing in the brain. Here, we review the cognitive and neuroimaging evidence for the effects of psychedelics: in particular, their influence on selfhood and subject-object boundaries-known as ego dissolution-surmised to underwrite their subjective and therapeutic effects. Agonism of 5-HT2A receptors, located at the apex of the cortical hierarchy, may have a particularly powerful effect on sentience and consciousness. These effects can endure well after the pharmacological half-life, suggesting that psychedelics may have effects on neural plasticity that may play a role in their therapeutic efficacy. Psychologically, this may be accompanied by a disarming of ego resistance that increases the repertoire of perceptual hypotheses and affords alternate pathways for thought and behavior, including those that undergird selfhood. We consider the interaction between serotonergic neuromodulation and sentience through the lens of hierarchical predictive coding, which speaks to the value of psychedelics in understanding how we make sense of the world and specific predictions about effective connectivity in cortical hierarchies that can be tested using functional neuroimaging. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Classic psychedelics bind to serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Their agonist activity at these receptors leads to neuromodulatory changes in synaptic efficacy, resulting in a profound effect on information processing in the brain. Here, we synthesize an abundance of brain imaging research with pharmacological and psychological interpretations informed by the framework of predictive coding. Moreover, predictive coding is suggested to offer more sophisticated interpretations of neuroimaging findings by bridging the role between the 5-HT2A receptors and large-scale brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Stoliker
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
| | - Karl J Friston
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
| | - Adeel Razi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
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Breeksema JJ, Kuin BW, Kamphuis J, van den Brink W, Vermetten E, Schoevers RA. Adverse events in clinical treatments with serotonergic psychedelics and MDMA: A mixed-methods systematic review. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1100-1117. [PMID: 36017784 PMCID: PMC9548934 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221116926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small-scale clinical studies with psychedelic drugs have shown promising results for the treatment of several mental disorders. Before psychedelics become registered medicines, it is important to know the full range of adverse events (AEs) for making balanced treatment decisions. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the presence of AEs during and after administration of serotonergic psychedelics and 3,4-methyenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in clinical studies. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical trials with psychedelics since 2000 describing the results of quantitative and qualitative studies. RESULTS We included 44 articles (34 quantitative + 10 qualitative), describing treatments with MDMA and serotonergic psychedelics (psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca) in 598 unique patients. In many studies, AEs were not systematically assessed. Despite this limitation, treatments seemed to be overall well tolerated. Nausea, headaches, and anxiety were commonly reported acute AEs across diagnoses and compounds. Late AEs included headaches (psilocybin, MDMA), fatigue, low mood, and anxiety (MDMA). One serious AE occurred during MDMA administration (increase in premature ventricular contractions requiring brief hospitalization); no other AEs required medical intervention. Qualitative studies suggested that psychologically challenging experiences may also be therapeutically beneficial. Except for ayahuasca, a large proportion of patients had prior experience with psychedelic drugs before entering studies. CONCLUSIONS AEs are poorly defined in the context of psychedelic treatments and are probably underreported in the literature due to study design (lack of systematic assessment of AEs) and sample selection. Acute challenging experiences may be therapeutically meaningful, but a better understanding of AEs in the context of psychedelic treatments requires systematic and detailed reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost J Breeksema
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden
University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands,OPEN Foundation, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands,Joost J Breeksema, University Center of
Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen 9700
RB, The Netherlands.
| | - Bouwe W Kuin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Kamphuis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden
University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A Schoevers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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45
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Agin-Liebes G, Davis AK. Psilocybin for the Treatment of Depression: A Promising New Pharmacotherapy Approach. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 56:125-140. [PMID: 34811715 PMCID: PMC10072288 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Depression is highly prevalent and represents the leading cause of global disability and primary contributor to overall global burden of disease. Several lines of evidence from early-phase experimental trials suggest that serotonergic psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, with therapeutic support show great promise in the treatment of depression with large effect sizes. Neuroimaging data have also revealed the dynamic effects of psilocybin on functional activity within and between neural regions. This chapter reviews the methods and findings from three small human laboratory clinical trials examining the effects of psilocybin therapy for patients with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Insights from functional magnetic resonance imaging and qualitative analyses are also presented, as well as a discussion of study limitations and future directions for the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Agin-Liebes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Neuroscape, Sandler Neurosciences Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Alan K Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Sweeney MM, Nayak S, Hurwitz ES, Mitchell LN, Swift TC, Griffiths RR. Comparison of psychedelic and near-death or other non-ordinary experiences in changing attitudes about death and dying. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271926. [PMID: 36001643 PMCID: PMC9401141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Both psychedelic drug experiences and near-death experiences can occasion changes in perspectives on death and dying, but there have been few direct comparisons of these phenomena. This study directly compared psychedelic occasioned and non-drug experiences which altered individuals’ beliefs about death. Individuals who reported an experience that altered their beliefs about death occasioned by either a psychedelic drug or a near-death or other non-ordinary experience completed an online survey. Circumstances of the experience, mystical and near-death subjective features, changes in attitudes about death, and other persisting effects were evaluated. The study sample (n = 3192) included five groups: non-drug near-death or other non-ordinary experiences (n = 933), and drug experiences occasioned by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) (n = 904), psilocybin (n = 766), ayahuasca (n = 282), or N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) (n = 307). Analyses of differences in experiences were adjusted statistically for demographic differences between groups. Compared to the psychedelic groups, the non-drug group was more likely to report being unconscious, clinically dead, and that their life was in imminent danger. The groups were remarkably similar in the reported changes in death attitudes attributed to the experience, including a reduced fear of death and high ratings of positive persisting effects and personal meaning, spiritual significance, and psychological insight. Although both psychedelic and non-drug participants showed robust increases on standardized measures of mystical and near-death experiences, these measures were significantly greater in the psychedelic participants. Non-drug participants were more likely to rate their experiences as the single most meaningful of their lives. Comparing across psychedelic substances, ayahuasca and DMT groups tended report stronger and more positive enduring consequences of the experience than the psilocybin and LSD groups, which were largely indistinguishable. These data provide a detailed characterization and comparison of psychedelic occasioned and non-drug experiences that changed attitudes about death and suggest the importance of future prospective psychedelic administration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M. Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MMS); (RRG)
| | - Sandeep Nayak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ethan S. Hurwitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lisa N. Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - T. Cody Swift
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Roland R. Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurosciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MMS); (RRG)
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47
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Kopra EI, Ferris JA, Winstock AR, Young AH, Rucker JJ. Adverse experiences resulting in emergency medical treatment seeking following the use of magic mushrooms. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:965-973. [PMID: 35388724 PMCID: PMC9353971 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221084063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are used for recreational, spiritual, self-development and therapeutic purposes. However, physiologically relatively nontoxic, adverse reactions are occasionally reported. AIMS This study investigated the 12-month prevalence and nature of magic mushroom-related adverse reactions resulting in emergency medical treatment seeking in a global sample of people reporting magic mushroom use. METHODS We use data from the 2017 Global Drug Survey - a large anonymous online survey on patterns of drug use conducted between November 2016 and January 2017. RESULTS Out of 9233 past year magic mushroom users, 19 (0.2%) reported having sought emergency medical treatment, with a per-event risk estimate of 0.06%. Young age was the only predictor associated with higher risk of emergency medical presentations. The most common symptoms were psychological, namely anxiety/panic and paranoia/suspiciousness. Poor 'mindset', poor 'setting' and mixing substances were most reported reasons for incidents. All but one respondent returned back to normality within 24 h. CONCLUSIONS The results confirm psilocybin mushrooms are a relatively safe drug, with serious incidents rare and short lasting. Providing harm-reduction information likely plays a key role in preventing adverse effects. More research is needed to examine the detailed circumstances and predictors of adverse reactions including rarer physiological reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma I Kopra
- Department of Psychological Medicine,
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London,
London, UK,Emma I Kopra, Department of Psychological
Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College
London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Jason A Ferris
- Centre for Health Services Research,
Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Adam R Winstock
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health
Care, University College London, London, UK,Global Drug Survey, London, UK
| | - Allan H Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine,
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London,
London, UK,South London and Maudsley NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Department of Psychological Medicine,
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London,
London, UK,South London and Maudsley NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK
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48
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Nygart VA, Pommerencke LM, Haijen E, Kettner H, Kaelen M, Mortensen EL, Nutt DJ, Carhart-Harris RL, Erritzoe D. Antidepressant effects of a psychedelic experience in a large prospective naturalistic sample. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:932-942. [PMID: 35924888 PMCID: PMC9353970 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221101061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last two decades, a number of studies have highlighted the potential of psychedelic therapy. However, questions remain to what extend these results translate to naturalistic samples, and how contextual factors and the acute psychedelic experience relate to improvements in affective symptoms following psychedelic experiences outside labs/clinics. The present study sought to address this knowledge gap. AIM Here, we aimed to investigate changes in anxiety and depression scores before versus after psychedelic experiences in naturalistic contexts, and how various pharmacological, extrapharmacological and experience factors related to outcomes. METHOD Individuals who planned to undergo a psychedelic experience were enrolled in this online survey study. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and 2 and 4 weeks post-psychedelic experience, with self-rated Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR-16) as the primary outcome. To facilitate clinical translation, only participants with depressive symptoms at baseline were included. Sample sizes for the four time points were N = 302, N = 182, N = 155 and N = 109, respectively. RESULTS Relative to baseline, reductions in depressive symptoms were observed at 2 and 4 weeks. A medicinal motive, previous psychedelic use, drug dose and the type of acute psychedelic experience (i.e. specifically, having an emotional breakthrough) were all significantly associated with changes in self-rated QIDS-SR-16. CONCLUSION These results lend support to therapeutic potential of psychedelics and highlight the influence of pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors in determining response. Mindful of a potential sample and attrition bias, further controlled and observational longitudinal studies are needed to test the replicability of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Amalie Nygart
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centers for Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lis Marie Pommerencke
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eline Haijen
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centers for Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hannes Kettner
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centers for Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mendel Kaelen
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centers for Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Erik Lykke Mortensen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David John Nutt
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centers for Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Robin Lester Carhart-Harris
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centers for Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Erritzoe
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centers for Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
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49
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Moreton SG, Burden-Hill A, Menzies RE. Reduced death anxiety and obsessive beliefs as mediators of the therapeutic effects of psychedelics on obsessive compulsive disorder symptomology. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2022.2086793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sam G. Moreton
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Amber Burden-Hill
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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50
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Plesa P, Petranker R. Manifest your desires: Psychedelics and the self-help industry. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 105:103704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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