RecruitingEARLY_PHASE1INTERVENTIONAL

PsiloIMAGINE: A Psychedelic-augmented Mental Imagery-based Intervention for Young People With Self-harm

Around one in five young people self-harm, and current treatments don't work for everyone. This study, called PsiloIMAGINE, is exploring a new approach for young people aged 16-25 who self-harm. It combines a very low dose of psilocybin (a psychedelic substance) with a type of talk therapy called Imagery Re-Scripting. This therapy helps people change harmful mental images into more helpful ones. Researchers believe psilocybin might make it easier for young people to face difficult emotions and be more open to changing their thoughts during therapy. The study will compare this new combination treatment with the imagery therapy alone to see if it can help reduce self-harm behaviours and negative emotions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

EARLY_PHASE1

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

Self Harm

What is this study about?

Many young people struggle with self-harm, and finding effective help is really important. Current treatments often take a long time and don't always work for everyone who needs them. This study is trying to find new, potentially more effective ways to help.

Researchers previously found that people who self-harm often have strong mental images of self-harm, which can make things worse. There's a type of therapy called Imagery Re-Scripting (or ImRS) that helps people change these harmful mental images into more positive and helpful ones. However, sometimes it can be hard for people to go through this therapy because they worry about bringing up negative feelings.

This study is looking into whether adding a very small amount of a psychedelic substance called psilocybin could make this therapy work better. Psychedelics, at low doses, can sometimes help people feel more open to new ideas and able to cope with difficult emotions. The idea is that psilocybin might help young people (aged 16-25) engage more easily with the imagery therapy, making it simpler to replace unhelpful thoughts and images with more positive ones, and ultimately reduce self-harm.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new approach for young people aged 16-25 who self-harm.
Combines a low dose of psilocybin with mental imagery therapy.
Aims to make therapy more effective and easier to engage with.
Compares this new treatment to therapy alone.
Could help reduce self-harm and negative emotions.
Very early stage research to inform future treatments.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged 16 to 25. To join, you would need to have experienced self-harm at least twice in your life, including at least once in the past month, and have mental images related to self-harm in the last six weeks. You also need to be able to understand and speak English well and be comfortable using a computer and smartphone for some parts of the study.

There are also some important reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you or a close family member has a history of certain mental health conditions like psychosis or severe mania. You also wouldn't be able to take part if you have a serious medical condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or liver or kidney problems. You must not have used psychedelic drugs before, and you can't be using recreational drugs within 7 days of the treatment visit.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 25 years old?
Have you self-harmed at least twice in your life, including in the last month?
Do you have mental images of self-harm?
Do you speak and understand English well?
Do you have good overall physical health, without serious medical conditions?
Have you never used psychedelic drugs before?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll have several visits, some in person and some by video call. You'll be asked to talk about your mental health and self-harm. You'll also be shown images related to self-harm as part of the therapy. You will follow a specific therapy plan, and some participants will receive a very low dose of psilocybin, while others will receive a placebo (a dummy pill, with no active medicine). Your heart health and blood pressure will be checked. The study will involve regular check-ins and using apps on your smartphone or computer to collect information over a period of time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in the study might offer the benefit of receiving a new type of therapy that could help with self-harm behaviours. It could also contribute valuable information to help other young people in the future. Potential risks include feeling uncomfortable or anxious while discussing self-harm or seeing related images, or experiencing mild side effects from the study medication, though the psilocybin dose is very low. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Imperial College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a natural substance found in certain mushrooms. In this study, a very low dose is used, aiming to help with therapy rather than cause strong 'trips'.

Is this study safe?

Researchers take great care to ensure safety. Medical checks are done before you start, and you'll be closely monitored during the study. The dose of psilocybin is very low.

What is Imagery Re-Scripting?

It's a type of talk therapy where a therapist helps you change upsetting mental images related to self-harm into more positive and helpful ones.

Will I know if I get psilocybin or a placebo?

No, you won't know if you're receiving psilocybin or a placebo. This is to make sure the study results are fair and accurate.

What if I feel worse during the study?

You'll be supported by the study team throughout. If you feel worse at any point, you can discuss this with them, and you can withdraw from the study if you wish.

How to find out more

Joanna Vamvakopoulou

imagine@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0) 7942292199 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.