WHY A TASK GROUP?

Since 2007, there has been a renaissance in research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, with a particular focus on psilocybin and related psychoactive substances, including MDMA. Targeted disorders for psilocybin-assisted therapy include: unipolar depression, terminal illness anxiety and depression, alcohol use disorder, tobacco use disorder, anorexia nervosa, and OCD. PTSD has been targeted by MDMA-assisted therapy. Results from open and controlled trials of psilocybin for MDD, including treatment-resistant depression, have shown benefits sustained for up to a year after treatment in some cases but, so far, sample sizes have been small and larger controlled studies are underway.

The principle aim of the Psychedelics & Related Compounds Task Group, initiated in 2022 by William Coryell, MD (University of Iowa), is to form a network of interested current and potential investigators. Once gathered, this group will share information regarding the design and execution of clinical trials of psychedelic drugs and related psychoactive compounds for major depression, for disorders often associated with depressive disorders, and for associated co-occurring conditions. The group will discuss the empirical investigation of therapeutic approaches and best practices for the delivery of psychedelic therapies, as this is currently an unmet need.

CURRENT PROJECTS

• The task group is currently developing a member site survey around the use of psychedelics in the clinical practice of treating mood disorder patients.