Psilocybin for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Overseen by Benjamin Kelmendi, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Yale University

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests psilocybin from 'magic mushrooms' on patients with OCD who don't respond well to usual treatments. It aims to see if psilocybin can improve symptoms by helping 'reset' brain connections. Psilocybin has shown promising results in treating various psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Research Team

Christopher Pittenger, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Benjamin Kelmendi, MD

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who have tried at least one standard treatment without success. Participants must not be taking certain psychiatric medications, including SSRIs, and should have a support person available. They cannot join if they have a history of certain mental disorders, recent psychedelic use, or conditions that make MRI scans unsafe.

Inclusion Criteria

You have a score of 18 or more on the YBOCS evaluation, which measures the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms.

Willingness to sign a medical release for direct communication between research staff and external provider(s) about the participant's treatment and medical histories

I haven't taken SSRIs for at least 8 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

You have Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

I do not have uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, heart issues, or a history of seizures or severe headaches.

You are currently feeling extremely sad or hopeless and have thoughts of wanting to harm yourself.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Niacin (Vitamin)
• Psilocybin (Psychedelic)

Trial Overview The study tests the impact of psilocybin on OCD symptoms compared to niacin as a placebo. It's double-blind, meaning neither participants nor researchers know who gets the real drug versus placebo during the trial. The goal is to understand how psilocybin might affect brain function related to OCD.

Participant Groups

Group I: Psilocybin Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Psilocybin (0.25mg/kg)

Group II: Niacin Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Niacin (250mg)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Heffter Research Institute

Collaborator

Trials

15

Recruited

520+