Computationally, Electrophysiologically, and Qualitatively Characterizing Serotonergic Psychedelics; Transdiagnostic Therapeutic and Pro-Psychotic Effects
Yale University
Summary
This is an observational study which does NOT directly administer a psychedelic substance but rather recruits participants who are already participating in another clinical trial in which they may receive a serotonergic psychedelic. The goal of this observational study is to learn how the brain's information processing changes during and following administration of serotonergic psychedelics (psilocybin, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine/DMT, Lystergic Acid Diethylamide/LSD, etc.) for people with and without mental illness receiving serotonergic psychedelics through any clinical trial at Yale University. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Do serotonergic psychedelics cause the brain to rely on new information more than previously learned information while under the influence? What about 1 day, 5-14 days, and 4-6 weeks after use? 2. Do serotonergic psychedelics cause long-lasting side-effects in how people perceive (see, hear, feel, etc.) the world and how easily people change their beliefs? 3. How does the brain's electrical activity change after using serotonergic psychedelics? How does the balance between excitation and inhibition change while under their effect? 4. Can changes in how the brain uses information predict who will benefit from a psychedelic and who will have side effects from psychedelics? Researchers will compare with people given placebos to see what changes in brain processing are unique to serotonergic psychedelics. Participants will have the opportunity to do some combination of the following: 1. Online computer assessments consisting of games and questionnaires that probe how participants think. 2. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) or electroencephalography (EEG) with eyes closed and with repeated clicks, images, or sensations delivered. 3. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. 4. Semi-structured qualitative interviews about their experience after taking a serotonergic psychedelic recorded via Zoom.
Description
Mounting evidence suggests that serotonergic psychedelics (SPs; eg. psilocybin, LSD) reduce symptoms across many mental illnesses with rapid, sustained effects from single interventions. They also cause persisting, positive effects in the general population and those without mental illness. This improved wellness comes at the cost of acute psychosis-like effects, that sometimes persist in weakened forms or, rarely, as prolonged episodes of psychosis. Understanding the mechanism underlying these dual effects may help maximize therapeutic effect and minimize unwanted outcomes. The reason SPs ca…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Participation in approved clinical protocol at Yale University involving potential administration of serotonergic psychedelics * Absence of pre-existing psychotic symptoms Exclusion Criteria: * Current intoxication based on self-report * Any neurological, medical or developmental problem that is known to impair cognition significantly based on self-report * History of seizures based on self-report * Contraindications for MR scanning including metallic implants of any kind, pacemakers and history of accidents with metal, claustrophobia (specific to those who will partic…
Interventions
- DrugSerotonergic Psychedelic
Any serotonergic or "classic" psychedelic that exhibits mainly Serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonism and is judged to produce subjectively similar effects.
- DrugPlacebo
Matched Placebo
Locations (2)
- Connecticut Mental Health CenterHamden, Connecticut
- West Haven VA Medical CenterWest Haven, Connecticut