The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of 5-HT1A receptor blockade on the acute subjective effects of psilocybin, as measured through subjective survey measures and acute electroencephalography (EEG). Further, the investigators will assess the effects of psilocybin on post-acute sleep and dreaming through the use of sleep EEG and sleep and dream diaries.
This double-blind, randomized, cross-over study (N = 18) will administer a moderate dose of psilocybin trihydrate (18 mg, equivalent to 15 mg psilocybin anhydrate), with pindolol (30 mg), or placebo to assess the effects of 5-HT1A receptor blockade on the acute subjective effects and the acute neurophysiological effects of psilocybin through the use of self-report measures and acute EEG. Participants will also complete sleep and dream diaries 10 days prior to and 10 days following each drug administration session as well as wear an at-home sleep EEG device for 5 days prior to and 5 days following each drug session. This study aims to understand the mechanistic basis of the perceptual changes in the altered state of consciousness induced by psilocybin as well as its effects on post-acute sleep and dreaming.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
18
Pindolol is a 5-HT1A antagonist drug that will be used as a pharmacological probe for the mechanism of acute subjective effects in the altered state of consciousness induced by psilocybin.
Microcrystalline cellulose capsules, identical in appearance to the active treatment, containing no pharmacologically active ingredients, will be administered as an inert placebo comparator.
Psilocybin is a tryptamine psychedelic with 5-HT2A agonist activity. The psilocybin-induced altered state of consciousness is characterized by changes in sensory perception, cognition, and induction of mystical-type experiences. These subjective effects will be assessed in each dosing session.
Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Mystical Experiences Questionnaire
Assess changes in intensity of the subjective effects induced by psilocybin with co-administration of a 5-HT1A antagonist, pindolol as measured through the mystical experience questionnaire. Scores can range from 0-150 with a higher score indicating a more intense mystical-type experience.
Time frame: From the first dosing session to the end of the second dosing session, approximately 10 days
Change in alpha power (Spectral Power)
Assess changes in neural measures of drug intensity acutely using EEG, specifically global change in alpha power.
Time frame: From the first dosing session to the end of the second dosing session, approximately 10 days
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