35th AM (2024) - Poster Session-Preliminary Report Psilocybin for Co-Occurring Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder

Preliminary Report Psilocybin for Co-Occurring Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder

Pdf Summary

The study, conducted by Johns Hopkins University, explores the effects of psilocybin in patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), two common co-occurring conditions. Prior studies have indicated psilocybin's efficacy in treating individual disorders like depression, anxiety, and various substance use disorders, yet no trials have specifically targeted the combination of MDD and AUD. <br /><br />This randomized controlled trial involved 56 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either 25mg of psilocybin or a placebo in a double-blind first session, followed by an open-label second session where all participants received 25mg of psilocybin. The primary outcomes measured were changes in depression severity, using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (GRID-HAMD), and frequency of heavy drinking days, assessed by the 90-day Time Line Follow Back (TLFB).<br /><br />Preliminary findings from 24 participants suggest significant improvements. At baseline, the average GRID score was 22.6, with participants engaging in alcohol consumption on over half the days, including a substantial percentage of heavy drinking days. One month after the second psilocybin session, participants' GRID scores decreased to an average of 5.6, and heavy drinking days reported over 90 days fell dramatically from 30.5 days to just 3.9 days. Moreover, the intervention was found to be safe, with minimal adverse effects.<br /><br />These promising early results suggest psilocybin therapy could be an effective treatment for patients with co-occurring MDD and AUD. This trial addresses a significant research gap, as clinical trials often exclude individuals with both conditions, limiting the generalizability of findings. Data from this study could pave the way for more inclusive research that benefits those with comorbid disorders, improving overall health outcomes.

Keywords

Johns Hopkins University

psilocybin

major depressive disorder

alcohol use disorder

randomized controlled trial

GRID-HAMD

TLFB

co-occurring conditions

comorbid disorders

clinical trial

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