Effects of psilocybin on obsessive-compulsive disorder

Effects of Psilocybin in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

This study tests if psilocybin can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

• Phase: Early Phase 1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
• Trial ID: NCT05546658 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility, safety, and potential efficacy of psilocybin in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants will receive two doses of psilocybin spaced two weeks apart, with assessments conducted during screening, treatment sessions, and follow-ups for up to six months. The study aims to provide preliminary proof of concept for future larger studies by evaluating the impact of psilocybin on OCD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with OCD who have a history of the condition for at least one year and have previously attempted treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for OCD or those at high risk for suicidality may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a novel treatment option for patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with psilocybin for various mental health conditions, suggesting potential efficacy in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Have given written informed consent
* Currently meet criteria for a DSM-5 diagnosis of OCD and report a history of OCD for at least 1 year prior to screening
* Have a Y-BOCS score of 18 or more
* Have at least one prior attempt at treatment, either ERP or pharmacotherapy
* No antidepressant medications for approximately five half-lives prior to acceptance in treatment phase of study
* Women who are of childbearing potential and sexually active who are not practicing an effective means of birth control must agree to practice an effective means of birth control throughout the duration of the study
* Be judged by study team clinicians to be at low risk for suicidality
* Concurrent psychotherapy is allowed if the type and frequency of the therapy has been stable for at least two months prior to screening and is expected to remain stable during participation in the study
* Be otherwise medically stable as determined by screening for medical problems via a personal interview, a medical questionnaire, a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and routine medical blood and urinalysis laboratory tests (CBC, CMP, urine beta-HCG, urine toxicology screen)
* Agree to consume approximately the same amount of caffeine-containing beverage (e.g., coffee, tea) that he/she consumes on a usual morning, before arriving at the research unit on the mornings of drug session days. If the participant does not routinely consume caffeinated beverages, he/she must agree not to do so on session days
* Agree to refrain from using any psychoactive drugs, including alcoholic beverages, within 24 hours of each drug administration. The exceptions are caffeine and nicotine
* Agree not to take any PRN medications on the mornings of drug sessions
* Agree not to take sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil, or similar medications within 72 hours of each drug administration
* Agree that for one week before each drug session, he/she will refrain from taking any nonprescription medication, nutritional supplement, or herbal supplement except when approved by the study investigators. Exceptions will be evaluated by the study investigators and will include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and common doses of vitamins and minerals.
* Have limited lifetime use of hallucinogens (the following criteria are preferred: no use in the past 5 years; total hallucinogen use less than 10 times)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Clinically significant transaminitis (AST or ALT greater than two times normal value)
* Women who are pregnant (as indicated by a positive urine pregnancy test assessed at intake and before each drug session) or nursing
* Women who are of childbearing potential and sexually active who are not practicing an effective means of birth control
* Cardiovascular conditions: coronary artery disease, stroke, angina, uncontrolled hypertension, a clinically significant ECG abnormality (e.g., atrial fibrillation), prolonged QTc interval (i.e., QTc \> 450 msec), heart valve, or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the past year
* Epilepsy with history of seizures
* Type 1 diabetes
* BMI \< 18
* Currently taking on a regular (e.g., daily) basis any psychoactive prescription medication or any medications having a primary centrally-acting serotonergic effect, or MAOIs. For individuals who have intermittent or PRN use of such medications, psilocybin sessions will not be conducted until approximately five half-lives of the agent have elapsed after the last dose.
* Current (severe) migraine or other recurring severe headaches
* Current or past history of meeting DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders (except substance-/medication-induced or due to another medical condition), or bipolar I disorder
* Current or history within one year of meeting DSM-5 criteria for a moderate or severe alcohol, or other drug use disorder (excluding tobacco and caffeine)
* Nicotine dependence that would be incompatible with an individual to be nicotine free for 8-10 hours on a psilocybin session day
* Have a first degree relative with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders (except substance/medication-induced or due to another medical condition), or bipolar I disorder

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: David B Yaden, PhD — Johns Hopkins University
• Study coordinator: Ben Du, BA

Conditions Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Psilocybin