Co-design of Guidance for Patient and Public Involvement in Psychedelic Research

Close, James B.; Bornemann, Julia; Piggin, Maria; Jayacodi, Sandra; Luan, Lisa Xiaolu; Carhart‐Harris, Robin; Spriggs, Meg J.

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.727496

Cited by 12 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 62 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…1.1.1 Depression: All contributors reported feelings of depression as part of their everyday life. While some contributors reported feelings of depression preceding their pain (5), all reported that their mental wellbeing and subsequent depression were impacted by the chronification of their pain. Several contributors (3) reported feeling suicidal due to their pain.…”

Section: Thematic Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1.2.2 Acceptance of Pain: Seven contributors reported increased acceptance of their situation and found this to be helpful in their general experience of pain. 1.2.5 Increased Compassion: Eight contributors felt more compassion toward themselves (6) and others (5).…”

Section: Thematic Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Release: All contributors reported some form of perceived physical release through crying (3), tingling (5), vocalization (2), change in temperature (1), and release of muscular tension (5).…”

Section: Physicalmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2.3.2 Quality of Life: All contributors claimed improvements in their quality of life. This presented itself through increased function (5), independence (1), energy (5), and ability to move (4). Two contributors also reported perceived enhancements in cognitive performance (2).…”

Section: Enduring Changementioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Self-Medication for Chronic Pain Using Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Future Research

Bornemann

Spriggs

et al. 2021

Front. Psychiatry

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Chronic Pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide with up to 60% of patients suffering from comorbid depression. Psychedelic-assisted therapy has recently been found effective in treating a host of mental health issues including depression and has historically been found to be useful in treating pain. Reports of self-medication for chronic pain using psychedelic drugs have been widely documented, with anecdotal evidence indicating widespread success in a range of pathologies.Aims: In preparation for an upcoming trial, to better understand how those with lived experience of chronic pain self-medicate with psychedelic drugs, and to establish, in detail, their therapeutic protocols and practices for success.Methods: As part of patient-involvement (PI) for an upcoming trial in this population, 11 individuals who reported self-medicating with psychedelic drugs took part in a 1-h semi-structured discussion, which was then transcribed and thematically analyzed.Results: Across a range of psychedelic substances and doses, reported pain scores improved substantially during and after psychedelic experiences. Two processes, Positive Reframing and Somatic Presence, were reliably identified as playing a role in improvements in mental wellbeing, relationship with pain, and physical (dis)comfort. Inclusion of other strategies such as mindfulness, breathwork, and movement were also widely reported. Due to the data's subjective nature, this paper is vulnerable to bias and makes no claims on causality or generalisability. Together, these results have been used to inform study design for a forthcoming trial.Conclusion: This pre-trial PI work gives us confidence to test psychedelic therapy for chronic pain in a forthcoming controlled trial. The results presented here will be instrumental in improving our ability to meet the needs of future study participants.

show abstract

Section: Thematic Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Thematic Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Physicalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Enduring Changementioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Self-Medication for Chronic Pain Using Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Future Research

Bornemann

Spriggs

et al. 2021

Front. Psychiatry

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…While this trial is one of many exploring psychedelics in mental health treatment, we wish to emphasise how incorporating the voices of those with lived experience has not been beneficial for adapting the psychedelic-therapy approach to this population, but has also been a rewarding experience for researchers and focus group attendees alike. We encourage the integration of PPI initiatives into future psychedelic research, and guidance for doing so has been presented by Close et al (59).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Study Protocol for “Psilocybin as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study”

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious and life-threatening psychiatric condition. With a paucity of approved treatments, there is a desperate need for novel treatment avenues to be explored. Here, we present (1) an overview of the ways through which Public Patient Involvement (PPI) has informed a trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for AN and (2) a protocol for a pilot study of psilocybin-assisted therapy in AN currently underway at Imperial College London. The study aims to assess the feasibility, brain mechanisms and preliminary outcomes of treating anorexia nervosa with psilocybin.Methods: (1) PPI: Across two online focus groups, eleven individuals with lived experience of AN were presented with an overview of the protocol. Their feedback not only identified solutions to possible barriers for future participants, but also helped the research team to better understand the concept of “recovery” from the perspective of those with lived experience. (2) Protocol: Twenty female participants [21–65 years old, body mass index (BMI) 15 kg/m2 or above] will receive three oral doses of psilocybin (up to 25 mg) over a 6-week period delivered in a therapeutic environment and enveloped by psychological preparation and integration. We will work with participant support networks (care teams and an identified support person) throughout and there will be an extended remote follow-up period of 12 months. Our two-fold primary outcomes are (1) psychopathology (Eating Disorder Examination) across the 6-month follow-up and (2) readiness and motivation to engage in recovery (Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire) across the 6-week trial period. Neurophysiological outcome measures will be: (1) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain changes from baseline to 6-week endpoint and (2) post-acute changes in electroencephalography (EEG) activity, including an electrophysiological marker of neuronal plasticity.Discussion: The results of this pilot study will not only shed light on the acceptability, brain mechanisms, and impression of the potential efficacy of psilocybin as an adjunct treatment for AN but will be essential in shaping a subsequent Randomised Control Trial (RCT) that would test this treatment against a suitable control condition.Clinical Trial Registration: identifier: NCT04505189.

show abstract

“But the reality is it's happening”: A qualitative study of eating disorder providers about psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy

Downey

Boyd

Chaphekar

et al. 2023

Intl J Eating Disorders

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ObjectiveThis study invited providers who care for patients with eating disorders to inform engagement, communication, and collaboration with psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy interventions.MethodMedical and mental health providers who treat patients with eating disorders were recruited via professional referral networks and participant driven sampling from across California to participate in one of five focus groups. Discussion topics included prior knowledge of psychedelic therapy, interest/concerns related to psilocybin therapy, and opportunities for collaboration. Study team members completed iterative rounds of coding with a grounded theory approach.ResultsA total of 32 participants reported a range of familiarity with psychedelics. Some raised concerns about the risks of administering psilocybin to malnourished patients and to those with psychological comorbidities. Despite these concerns, participants were hopeful to see psilocybin therapy as a treatment for patients with eating disorders. In anticipating challenges, providers had concerns about equity in access to care among publicly insured and non‐English speaking patients. They requested opportunities for continuing education about psilocybin therapy.DiscussionOur findings demonstrate provider interest in psilocybin therapy for the treatment of patients with eating disorders. As psilocybin therapy interventions are developed, providers caring for patients with eating disorders value collaboration to improve longitudinal patient outcomes.Public SignificanceThis study invited healthcare providers of patients with eating disorders to discuss their thoughts around the use of psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy in this population. Findings will help inform emerging psilocybin therapy clinical trials with the goal of successful translation and adoption in real world clinical settings.

show abstract

Co-design of Guidance for Patient and Public Involvement in Psychedelic Research

Cited by 12 publications

References 62 publications

Self-Medication for Chronic Pain Using Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Future Research

Self-Medication for Chronic Pain Using Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Future Research

Study Protocol for “Psilocybin as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study”

“But the reality is it's happening”: A qualitative study of eating disorder providers about psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About