Understanding Music and Mindfulness Preferences in Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy
Depression can be very tough, especially when usual treatments haven't worked. This study is exploring a new approach called psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP). It's trying to find out if giving people the kind of therapy they prefer – either focusing on music or on mindfulness – makes the psilocybin treatment more effective and easier to go through. The researchers want to see if it's practical to tailor therapy to individual preferences and if doing so improves mood and well-being. Sixteen adults with depression will receive two psilocybin sessions, one with each therapy style, to compare their experiences and outcomes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're trying to find the best way to tackle your depression, and standard treatments haven't quite hit the mark. This study is looking into a new treatment approach called psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, often shortened to PAP. Psilocybin is a substance that comes from certain mushrooms, and it's being explored as a potential way to help with severe depression when combined with therapy. We now know that depression is one of the biggest health challenges globally, affecting millions of lives.
What makes this study special is that it focuses on *how* the therapy is delivered alongside the psilocybin. The researchers are particularly interested in two different styles of therapy: one that uses music as a central part of the support, and another that focuses on mindfulness techniques. They want to find out if people feel better and have better results if they receive a therapy style that they personally prefer. It's like choosing your favourite type of exercise – you're more likely to stick with something you enjoy.
This is a 'pilot' study, meaning it's a smaller, early-stage trial designed to see if these ideas are practical and worth exploring in bigger studies later on. It aims to understand if offering a choice in therapy style can make this promising new treatment even more helpful and easier for people to go through. They're also looking into how individual backgrounds and experiences might influence what kind of therapy a person prefers.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a new approach for severe depression when other treatments haven't worked.
- It combines psilocybin with two therapy styles: music-focused or mindfulness-focused.
- Researchers want to see if giving people their preferred therapy style improves treatment.
- All participants will experience both therapy styles over two psilocybin sessions.
- The study helps us understand the best ways to offer this new type of therapy in the future.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 21 or older who have been diagnosed with a type of depression called Major Depressive Disorder. A key requirement is that your depression is considered 'treatment-resistant,' meaning that at least two standard antidepressant medications haven't successfully helped you feel better during your current episode.
You'll also need to have moderate to severe symptoms of depression, as assessed by a doctor, and be receiving ongoing care from a psychiatrist. It's important that any other mental health medications you're taking have been stable for at least two months before you start the study.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're considered to be at a high risk of suicide, or if you have a history of certain other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, psychosis, or significant substance use issues (other than tobacco), you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if a close family member has had psychosis, this study might not be right for you.
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 21 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder?
- Have at least two antidepressant medications not helped your depression symptoms in your current episode?
- Are you currently seeing a psychiatrist for your depression?
- Do you have a friend or family member who can accompany you home after the treatment sessions?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be involved for about 8-10 weeks. Here's a breakdown of what that would look like:
* **Initial Assessments:** Before anything else, you'll have meetings with the study team to check if you're a good fit for the study. This will include interviews and questionnaires about your health and mood. * **Preference Rating:** You'll be asked to think about and rate which therapy style you prefer: music-focused or mindfulness-focused. * **Two Psilocybin Sessions:** You will have two separate treatment days, about four weeks apart. On each of these days, you'll receive a 25mg dose of psilocybin. * **Therapy Sessions:** For one psilocybin session, you'll have music-focused therapy, and for the other, you'll have mindfulness-focused therapy. The order in which you receive these will be decided by chance and your preference. You'll also have preparatory meetings before each psilocybin session and follow-up 'integration' sessions afterwards to help you process your experiences. * **Ongoing Check-ins:** Throughout the study, you'll complete questionnaires and have meetings with the study team to monitor your mood and how you're feeling.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Jewish General HospitalVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada
- Jewish General HospitalVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada
Common questions
What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring substance found in certain mushrooms. It's being studied for its potential to help with conditions like depression when given in a controlled medical setting with therapy.
What is 'treatment-resistant depression'?
This means your depression hasn't significantly improved, or you haven't felt better, after trying at least two different antidepressant medications at adequate doses and for a long enough time.
What's the difference between music-focused and mindfulness-focused therapy?
Music-focused therapy uses music as a key part of your supportive sessions, while mindfulness-focused therapy teaches techniques to help you focus on the present moment and manage thoughts and feelings.
Will I get both types of therapy?
Yes, if you join, you will experience both music-focused and mindfulness-focused therapy, each paired with a psilocybin session. The order you receive them will be partly based on your preference and partly by chance.
Is this a new and approved treatment?
No, psilocybin-assisted therapy is currently an experimental treatment and is not yet approved as a standard medical treatment in the UK. This study is part of the research to understand it better.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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