CAMH Psilocybin Clinical Trials

Numerous focuses TRD/OCD/ASD/ABI/Pain etc.,.

Individuals can contact the research coordinators directly to discuss the process to access the clinical trial.  

Alex Coles Alexandra.Coles@camh.ca and Mawahib Semeralui Mawahib.Semeralui@camh.ca

Remedy Institute participants to take part in A Randomized Trial of MDMA-Assisted Cognitive-Behavioural Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) verus CBCT in Dyads in Which One Member has Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).For more information, and to apply, please visit Remedy Institute

Maryam Rahat^1,2, Paige Hopkinson², Beth Patterson^2,3, Michael Van Ameringen^1,2,3,4,5

• McMaster University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Hamilton, Canada
• MacAnxiety Research Centre, Hamilton, Canada
• Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
• Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research. McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
• David Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada

Introduction

Cannabis use is prevalent in Canada, with an increasing trend observed, particularly among males and young adults. A subset of users develops Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), characterized by significant impairment in social, occupational, and psychological functioning. The prevalence of CUD ranges from 12% to 31% among active users. Current treatments including pharmacological interventions and psychosocial therapies, show limited efficacy, with high relapse rates. Recent research on the use of psychedelics combined with psychotherapy, particularly psilocybin, suggests potential efficacy in treating substance use disorders, including alcohol and nicotine dependence. We propose a proof-of-concept study evaluating the feasibility, safety, efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for CUD.

Method

The proposed study is an open-label, within-subject, prospective design involving 16 participants aged 18-65 who meet DSM-5 criteria for moderate to severe CUD. The intervention consists of an 8-week treatment protocol, combining Motivational Enhancement Therapy, supportive psychotherapy, and two dosing sessions. During each dosing session, participants will receive a 25 mg dose of psilocybin under controlled conditions.

Results

Safety, tolerability, and feasibility are reported using descriptive statistics. Efficacy (weekly frequency and amount of cannabis use) will be measured in number of sessions and amount of use in grams using Timeline Follow Back. These weekly metrics are compared at baseline and at eight-week assessments using repeated measure ANOVA. Within-subject comparisons will be used to report an effect size. 

Discussion 

Recruitment started on November 15^th, 2024 after securing approvals from relevant regulatory bodies. This is an active study that is currently looking for participants. 

We’re looking for individuals who have experienced MDMA-assisted therapy for trauma to explore their bodily experience of this treatment.

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Many guidebooks for psychedelic-assisted therapy in general, and in the recent clinical trials for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD in particular, mention the use of

body-based approaches in this therapy.

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As MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD may become legal for wider use in the near future, this research seeks to better understand the role of body-based interventions

in this approach.

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Participants in the current study will be asked to complete:

• A screening process by phone or video call to ensure inclusion criteria are met
  
• A two-hour video call with the lead researcher to complete the interview

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If you're interested in participating or want to learn more about the study, please contact the study lead:

Stephanie Kale

Registered Psychotherapist, PhD Candidate

School of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Spirituality

Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada

SKale017@uottawa.ca

343-305-1160

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Location: Virtual

Call for Research Participants

REB Protocol 1360.20/23

Looking for Research Participants

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PARTICIPATION

1 initial meeting, approximately 30 – 60 mins

1 - 2 interviews, approximately 60 mins each

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LOCATION

Zoom

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ELIGIBILITY

Individuals over 18 years old who have undergone psychedelic-assisted therapy by care practitioners* in Canada within the last 20 years

and / or

Care practitioners* who currently provide OR have provided psychedelic-assisted therapy in Canada within the last 20 years

*Care practitioner includes individuals with formal & informal training or mentorship

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CONTACT

Interested in participating or learning more?

Please contact:

Michelle Gagnon, PhD candidate

Email: michelle.r.gagnon@ubc.ca

Study Contact

or

Dr. Vicky Bungay, PhD

Email: vicky.bungay@ubc.ca

Primary Investigator

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Help us grow our knowledge base of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Canada by sharing your experiences

Interested about the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, fluent in English, and at least 18 years old? Then check out this new study on the relationship between Psychedelic use, Insight and Psychological Well-being. To take the survey, please visit the link below:

https://utorontopsych.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d5v1z0AaBfMEUGq

This survey is completely anonymous, does not collect any personally identifying information (e.g., name, IP address), and takes approximately 15-30 minutes to complete. You will also be able to enter a draw to win one of twenty Amazon gift cards valued at $25 CAD.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email: insight.wellbeing.study@gmail.com

Thank you!

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There is a new online study researching the effects of psilocybin on consciousness.

This study has been reviewed and approved by Western University’s Research Ethics Board, and it is meant to investigate how psilocybin influences the experience of visual illusions, as well as cognitive performance on various tests (e.g. memory, reasoning, etc.).

Participation is entirely online, and individuals can perform the tests – a series of computer games and visual tasks – from the comfort of their home.

By looking at visual processing and cognition, we hope to enhance our understanding of psilocybin’s varying effects on consciousness.

For more information or to take part, please visit:
tinyurl.com/uwo-psilocybin

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We are a group of researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, doing a study, titled Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use of Psychedelics among intellectually able adults with autism spectrum condition: An online survey. 

We are doing this project to learn about the perception, opinions, and knowledge of autistic adults about psychedelics, and whether they have used them in the past. Psychedelic compounds are a group of chemicals that change or enhance sensory perceptions, thought processes, and energy levels. These compounds are sometimes used to facilitate spiritual experiences. Psychedelic compounds have shown impressive effects in neurotypical people with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance misuse, and obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. Many clinical trials of psychedelics have been published in neurotypical populations and many more are ongoing. Nonetheless, there has been only one clinical trial of 3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA), one of psychedelics) in autistic adults with co-occurring social anxiety disorder. This neglect represents mental health and research inequity. Therefore, we want to do this study to listen to voices from autistic people to guide research and practice priorities surrounding the possible future uses of psychedelics. 

The survey should take between 20 to 30 minutes to complete.  Any information we collect from people is private and deciding to complete the survey is voluntary. Completing the survey (or not) will not impact the care anyone receives at their medical service providers (including CAMH) now or in the future.