Study protocol for “Psilocybin as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study"
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
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: Over a 6-week period, twenty female participants (21-65 years old,
body mass index (BMI) ³15kg/m2) will receive three oral doses of psilocybin (up to 25 mg) 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 twofold 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: NCT04505189
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: Over a 6-week period, twenty female participants (21-65 years old,
body mass index (BMI) ³15kg/m2) will receive three oral doses of psilocybin (up to 25 mg) 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 twofold 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: NCT04505189
Date Issued
2021-10
Date Acceptance
2021-09-15
Citation
Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2021, 12, pp.1-16
ISSN
1664-0640
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Start Page
1
End Page
16
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Volume
12
Copyright Statement
© 2021 Spriggs, Douglass, Park, Read, Danby, de Magalhães, Alderton, Williams, Blemings, Lafrance, Nicholls, Erritzoe, Nutt and Carhart-Harris. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.735523/full
Subjects
1103 Clinical Sciences
1117 Public Health and Health Services
1701 Psychology
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
735523
Date Publish Online
2021-10-20