Psilocybin-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
University of California, Los Angeles
Summary
The primary objectives of this clinical investigation are to (1) determine the acceptability and feasibility of joining psilocybin-assisted therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy (PA-CBT) for patients with depression, (2) optimize CBT to most effectively integrate the psilocybin experience with psychotherapy and (3) examine the clinical benefit of psilocybin as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for major depressive disorder. This study is a randomized, two-arm, fixed dose trial that will test the feasibility, acceptability, and participant and therapist adherence to PA-CBT. Both treatment arms will receive two doses of psilocybin (10mg and then 25mg, separated by one month). In Phase II, participants will be randomized (1:1) to either a 12-session PA-CBT or a 6-session standard psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) condition (3 hours of preparation plus 3 hours of supportive therapy integration following the psilocybin experiences).
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 21-60, * Able to swallow capsules, * Patients with a current major depressive episode or a history of major depressive episodes based on the DSM-5 criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), * Active current depressive symptoms (i.e., scores \>16 on the Hamilton-Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) covering the prior 2 weeks; Hamilton, 1986), * Have an identified support person who can pick up the individual from UCLA Semel Institute and drive individual home following psilocybin sessions, * For women of child-bearing potential - using one form of highl…
Interventions
- DrugPsilocybin (drug)
Participants will receive two doses of psilocybin (10mg, 25mg).
- Behavioralcognitive behavioral therapy
Twelve total sessions of therapy, including manualized cognitive behavioral therapy for major depressive disorder, including psychoeducation about depression, cognitive skills, and behavioral skills as well as preparation for psilocybin.
- BehavioralMinimal supportive therapy
Six total therapy sessions. Preparation for psilocybin in the first three sessions plus supportive, nondirective psychotherapy in the final three sessions.
Location
- UCLA Semel InstituteLos Angeles, California