Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs as a result of a traumatic experience. Symptoms include feeling anxious, flashbacks, nightmares and difficulty sleeping. Several studies indicate that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PaP) may be an effective treatment for a number of mental health conditions. This has led to PaP being designated as a "breakthrough treatment" by the FDA in the US. Despite indications that PaP may hold benefits in treating individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this remains to be investigated. As such, the present study aims to examine the acceptability, feasibility, safety, and efficacy of PaP (psilocybin administered with psychotherapy) in treating PTSD in military veterans.
Recent studies have shown that Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy (PaP) for individuals with treatment-resistant depression can result in outcomes that exceed routine psychotherapy. Psilocybin may have a catalytic effect on the psychotherapeutic process, enhancing introspection and interoception. PaP may similarly benefit the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research indicates high treatment drop-out rates (approximately 30%) among PTSD patients, and moderate remission rates (approximately 44%) 40 months after completing treatment. Furthermore, some veterans with PTSD have poorer treatment responses than members of the general public. This suggests that alternative treatment approaches may be required to support veterans who do not benefit from standard evidence-based approaches. This study aims to explore the acceptability, feasibility, safety and efficacy of PaP for veterans with PTSD. A total of eight military veterans will be recruited. The study involves two non-directive preparatory sessions, two dosing sessions of psilocybin, followed by 12 sessions of Cognitive Processing Therapy. It is hypothesised that PaP will result in a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, as indicated by PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; PCL-5) scores from baseline to one-month follow-up.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
8
Product name: Psilocybin Pharmaceutical form: capsule, hard Dose number and units: 25 mg per day (8-hour dosing session) x 2 Route of administration: oral
Combat Stress
Leatherhead, Surrey, United Kingdom
Symptoms of PTSD measured using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist For DSM-5 (PCL- PTSD symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD measured using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist For DSM-5 (PCL- 5). Scores range from 0-80, with a higher score indicated a worse outcome.
Time frame: Change from baseline PCL-5 score at one month follow up
Core features of PTSD and complex PTSD measured using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ)
Scores range from 0 to 48 with a higher score indicating a worse outcome.
Time frame: Change from baseline ITQ score at one month follow up
Difficulties with anger measured using the Dimensions of Anger Reactions (DAR-5)
Scores range from 5-25, with a higher score indicating a worse outcome.
Time frame: Change from baseline DAR-5 score at one month follow up
Depression symptoms measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Scores range from 0-27, with a higher score indicating a worse outcome.
Time frame: Change from baseline PHQ-9 score at one month follow up
General anxiety symptoms measured using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)
Scores range from 0-14, with a higher score indicating a worse outcome.
Time frame: Change from baseline GAD-7 score at one month follow up
Mental wellbeing measured using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS)
Scores range from 7-35, with a lower score indicating a worse outcome.
Time frame: Change from baseline SWEMWBS score at one month follow up
Perceived social support measured using the Oslo Social Support Scale
Scores range from 3-14, with a higher score indicating a worse outcome.
Time frame: Change from baseline OSS score at one month follow up
Challenging aspects of experiences with psilocybin measured using the Challenging Experience Questionnaire
Scores range from 5-25, with a higher score indicating a worse outcome.
Time frame: Administered at the end of dosing session one, week 4
Challenging aspects of experiences with psilocybin measured using the Challenging Experience Questionnaire
Measures a phenomenological profile of experiences with scores not indicative of more or less strongly challenging experiences.
Time frame: Administered at the end of dosing session two, week 5
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