Psilocybin for Prolonged Grief Disorder

University of Virginia

Status and phase

Not yet enrolling

Early Phase 1

Conditions

Prolonged Grief Disorder

Treatments

Drug: Psilocybin 25 mg

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT06724289

HSR231647

Details and patient eligibility

About

The primary purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial on the effects of psilocybin for individuals with prolonged grief disorder (PGD).

Full description

The study aims to investigate whether a single dose of 25 mg psilocybin can reduce the symptoms of grief and trauma associated with PGD. It is hypothesized that psilocybin will significantly reduce the symptoms of PGD and that the treatment will facilitate subjective mystical, spiritual, or insightful experiences, which in turn may contribute to the alleviation of grief and trauma symptoms.

Enrollment

12 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

21 to 65 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Ages 21 years old up to and including 65 years of age
People of childbearing potential that are sexually active must agree to continue or initiate practice of a highly effective means of birth control, alone or in combination with another, throughout the study. Highly effective options are: implants, intrauterine devices (IUD), and sterilization. Exclusive use of condoms is not effective.
Negative screen for illicit drugs at first visit
Consent to all study procedures
Have an existing diagnosis of Prolonged Grief Disorder
Agree to abstain from any psychoactive drugs on the day prior to and the day of the drug administration session
Have low risk for suicidality
Stable on antidepressant medication for at least two months before screening visit
Be medically stable as determined by screening for medical problems via a personal interview, a medical questionnaire, a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and routine medical blood and urinalysis laboratory tests (CBC, CMP, urine beta-HCG, urine toxicology screen)
Participant must agree to taper or not consume caffeine on the day of intervention
Agree not to take sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil, or similar medications within 72 hours of each drug administration
Agree that for one week before each drug session, participant will refrain from taking any nonprescription medication, nutritional supplement, or herbal supplement except when approved by the study investigators. Exceptions will be evaluated by the study investigators and will include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (example, Ibuprofen), and common doses of vitamins and minerals
Have limited lifetime use of hallucinogens
Willingness and ability to remain within the observation room for the duration of the study drug session, which is up to 10 hours (bathroom breaks are allowed)
Willingness and ability to follow study protocol as directed by research staff
Willing and able to attend all sessions in the study and complete follow up assessments
Fluent in English

Exclusion criteria

-General medical exclusion criteria:

Use of a psychedelic drug within the past 5 years
Clinically significant transaminitis (AST or ALT greater than two times normal value)
Person who is pregnant, nursing, or planning to get pregnant determined at screening and before drug session by urine test or self-report
People of childbearing potential that are sexually active who are not practicing an effective means of birth control
Cardiovascular conditions: coronary artery disease, stroke, angina, uncontrolled hypertension (identified as >170 systolic or >110 diastolic, on three consecutive readings by study team or study physician's interpretation of health and medication history), a clinically significant ECG abnormality (e.g., atrial fibrillation), prolonged QTc interval (i.e., QTc > 450 msec), heart valve, or TIA in the past year.
History of head trauma with neurological deficit; seizures, or neurologic disorders including cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, or neurogenerative diseases
Type 1 diabetes
BMI <18
Currently taking on a regular (e.g., daily) basis any antidepressant medications other than SSRIs, SNRIs, or bupropion, or any other medications that have a primary centrally-acting serotonergic effect, including MAOIs. Bupropion dosage must be < 300 mg in order to be included
Nicotine dependence that would be incompatible with remaining in study area for the entirety of the 8-10-hour study drug session
Prescribed or illicit use of benzodiazepines or opioids within 4 weeks prior to screening
Baseline blood pressure greater than 139/79 (after repeat measures) unless stable with medication as determined by PI or PI designate
Taking any muscle relaxers, antihistamines, or other medications known to cause lethargy or impair cognitive ability within one day prior to psilocybin session
Serious medical comorbidity requiring medical intervention or close supervision
History of claustrophobia
Any court mandated or legal restrictions that would impair the participant from attending all visits
Inability to follow and comply with all study procedures
Deemed unable to meaningfully or safely participate in the study
Any legal judgement toward subject determined to interfere with study attendance or jeopardize compliance with study protocol determined by PI or designate

General psychiatric exclusion criteria:

Severe psychiatric disorder (other than depression) within 6 months or lifetime history of serious psychiatric or neurological disorders, including bipolar disorder, or active psychosis
Clinically significant suicidal ideation (e.g., with strong intent or means) within past 6 months or lifetime history of suicide attempt. ***At any point during the study, a participant may be withdrawn from the study for concerns of suicidality and provided follow-up care by our team or a referral to care if needed.
Current or past history of meeting criteria for schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders, or bipolar I disorder
Current or previous history within one year of meeting criteria for a moderate or severe alcohol, or other drug use disorder (excluding tobacco, caffeine, and cannabis)
Nicotine dependence that would be incompatible with an individual to be nicotine free for 8-10 hours on a study drug session day
Have a first degree relative with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders (except substance/medication-induced or due to another medical condition), or bipolar I disorder