Psilocybin
Conditions
Brief summary
This project will employ functional brain imaging to study the mechanism and immediate and long-term effects of psilocybin, a serotonin receptor 2A agonist, on cortical and cortico-subcortical brain networks in healthy adults.
Detailed description
Psilocybin shows promise as a safe, transformational therapeutic across several psychiatric conditions. However, little is know about its mechanism of action. This study aims to establish a neuroimaging paradigm for use in future clinical research testing the effectiveness of psilocybin in various clinical applications. In this study, we will assess both acute (during psilocybin exposure) and sustained (one week post-exposure) effects of 5-HT2A receptor agonism on brain circuits using resting state functional connectivity and precision functional mapping (PFM). Using a randomized, controlled crossover study design, a small number of healthy volunteers will receive either psilocybin or methylphenidate (MTP) and will undergo MRI (structural, task, blood flow, extended resting state). After two weeks, participants will return for a second exposure with the alternate of what they received in the first session. This study involves up to five separate imaging sessions. Functional connectivity will be measured using the following PFM approach: 1. Extended functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) image acquisition 2. Aggressive data cleaning 3. Analysis designed to examine functional brain connectivity at the individual level This will allow us to map the effects of 5-HT2A receptor agonism on cortical and cortico-subcortical brain networks at the individual level with precision that is unparalleled in the current literature. This is the first step in developing a precision neuroimaging approach for mechanistic understanding of psilocybin's therapeutic effects. If successful, this pharmacoimaging paradigm will have potential utility across psychiatric conditions, allowing us to better understand whether and how psilocybin might bend the curve in treatment course, preventing persistent suffering, disability, and suicide.
Interventions
DRUGPsilocybin
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by psilocybin mushrooms, and has been shown to have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects after one dose of 25 mg. Common side effects are slight elevations in blood pressure and heart rate. Participants will be randomized to receive either psilocybin or control at two separate imaging timepoints in this study.
DRUGMethylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, and is used as an active control for this study because it is metabolized similarly to psilocybin and has similar effects on heart rate and blood pressure. Participants will be randomized to receive either psilocybin or control at two separate imaging timepoints in this study.
Sponsors
Washington University School of Medicine
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Masking description
Participants will be aware that they are receiving either psilocybin or methylphenidate at each medication imaging session, but will not be told in what order they will receive study medication (psilocybin first versus methylphenidate first).
Intervention model description
Participants will undergo a baseline imaging session, followed by a blinded drug session with psilocybin 25mg, or methylphenidate (MTP) 40mg. Participants will then have a between imaging session without medication, followed by another medication imaging session with the agent not used in the first medication session. This will be followed by a final imaging session without medication.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. men and woman between 18 and 40 years of age; 2. Have used a psychedelic substance within the previous 5 years but not within the last 6 months 3. No active psychiatric conditions requiring treatment with psychotropic medications (may be included if psychiatric condition is stable and participant is willing to discontinue medication for 1 month prior to participation with permission from their treating provider); 4. Able to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
1. Presence of medical conditions that may confound results of imaging study or that are contraindications to psilocybin exposure (e.g. neurological, renal, hypertension, metabolic or cardiovascular disease or pregnancy); 2. No prior exposure to classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, mescaline); 3. Presence of psychiatric conditions that may confound interpretation of results or that are contraindications to psilocybin exposure (e.g. major mood disorder, current substance use disorder, personal or immediate family history (parents, siblings) of any schizophrenia spectrum disorders); 4. Use of psychotropic medication during the study; 5. Presence of contraindications to MRI scanning (implantable devices, bone hardware, IUD). 6. Prior adverse reactions to psychedelics, based on the Challenging Experiences Questionnaire administered during initial screening
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Connectivity | 1 week | Our overall goal is to use a Functional Connectivity (very long scans to produce individual connectomes) to examine the effects of psilocybin on cortical and cortico- subcortical brain networks that could explain its rapid and sustained behavioral effects. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mystical Experiences | 1 week | Measured using Persisting Effects Questionnaire |
| Personality Change | 1 week | Measured using International Personality Item Pool-Five-Factor Model |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed