Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Newsletter Summer 2022

Summer 2022 Newsletter

Strides in Psychedelic Science

We are proud to announce a new clinical trial at the CPCR for individuals with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD). PTLD is a condition in which the symptoms of Lyme Disease remain for more than 6 months after treatment, and our study will test whether psilocybin is safe and helpful for improving fatigue, pain, mood, and quality of life in people with PTLD. This study is led by Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu of the CPCR, in collaboration with Drs. John Aucott and Mark Soloski at the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center. Stay tuned for more on this.

Dr. Roland Griffiths, along with Drs. David Lawrence, Robin Carhart-Harris, and Chris Timmermann recently published a study that provided a quantitative analysis of the content of DMT experiences over a 10-year period. The study notes that 46% of DMT reports endorsed entity encounter experiences, with respondents rating the entity as being Conscious (i.e. self-aware) (93%) and Intelligent (72%). The results of this paper converged the findings of two previous CPCR studies on DMT experiences.

Dr. Andrew Gaddis, a Hopkins psychiatry resident, in collaboration with Dr. Fred Barrett at the CPCR and experts in the Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research at the Kennedy Krieger Institute assessed, for the first time, psilocybin-induced alterations in not only the thalamus as a whole, but also its sub-regions using a novel ICA-based analysis. In this study, researchers found an overall increase in connectivity between thalamus and cortex, but focal, sub-region-specific decreases. These results provide rationale to further examination of thalamic sub-regions and their role in psychedelic effects.

Other publications include explorations into cognitive-behavioral therapies, the risks of psychedelic assisted therapy, and the challenges and opportunities for further research in vulnerable populations. Additionally, team members examined the lessons psychedelic policy can apply from cannabis and consent practices for psychiatric use of ketamine.

Finally, we are currently hiring for a Research Psychologist, Research Program Supervisor, and a Psychiatric Therapist. Click here to learn more about employment opportunities at CPCR.

Psychedelic Research Updates

NEW STUDIES
We recently launched a new study looking at the effects of psilocybin on those with Post-treatment Lyme Disease. The study will assess whether psilocybin is safe and helpful for improving fatigue, pain, mood, and quality of life in people with Post-treatment Lyme Disease.

In partnership with Columbia University, CPCR researchers recently launched a new survey study on how psychedelic experiences can impact romantic relationships. Couples are eligible to participate if (1) both members of the couple have used a psychedelic together or (2) only one member of the couple used a psychedelic during the time they were in their romantic relationship.

ONGOING STUDIES
We are still seeking study participants for ongoing studies of psilocybin in Anorexia Nervosa, Alzheimer’s Disease, and co-occurring alcohol use and depression.

Those who are unable to participate in an in-person trial, may consider one of our online surveys, including a survey for those who have used breathwork or psychedelics to help with anxiety, depression, trauma, or PTSD symptoms. Additionally, we are interested in hearing from healthcare professionals to learn more about their knowledge and attitudes towards the use of psychedelics for medical applications.

Learn more about our most recent findings in the publications section below.

Participate in Our Research

We are currently recruiting for multiple studies and surveys involving psychedelics. Click on a link below to find out more regarding the application process.

Psilocybin and Alzheimer’s Disease

Psilocybin and Anorexia Nervosa

Psilocybin for Co-occurring Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder

Psilocybin for Post-Treatment Lyme Disease

Breathwork Survey for Anxiety, Depression, or PTSD

Psychedelic Change Survey for Anxiety, Depression, or PTSD

Healthcare Professionals Knowledge and Attitudes about Psychedelics

Psychedelic and Romantic Relationships Survey

Psychedelics for Therapeutics and Well-being with Dr. Roland Griffiths, Dr. Rosalind Watts, Dr. John Krystal, and Tim Ferriss | SXSW 2022

Psychedelics in the News

Psilocybin Could be a Therapeutic Breakthrough For Addiction
Against the backdrop of the opioid epidemic, TIME points to psilocybin as a potential breakthrough for addiction treatment. Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu expresses how highly meaningful psychedelic experiences may influence people to make these “behavioral changes.” Dr. Matthew Johnson then highlights psilocybin’s non-addictive nature and sustained therapeutic effects, two advantages over conventional medications.

Psychedelics Might Be the Next Big Thing in Mental Health Care, Experts Say
NPR discusses a new study investigating the effects of psychedelics on healthcare workers who experienced burnout and depression during the pandemic. Dr. Frederick Barrett comments on small sample sizes in psychedelic research and the role of insight during psychedelic experiences.

‘Magic Mushrooms’ for Therapy? Vets Help Sway Conservatives
The Associated Press tells the story of a veteran who used psychedelics to relieve his PTSD symptoms. The article then covers the current research and legal status of psychedelics across different states. Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu speaks to the risks, safety measures, and possible symptomatic improvements related to psychedelic medicine.

How the ‘Magic Mushroom’ Drug May Tweak the Brain to Ease Depression
U.S. News discusses recent significant study findings that, if replicated, could push psilocybin as a primary treatment for depression. Dr. Manoj Doss emphasizes that this field of research is still young, stating that psychedelic therapy “may only be effective for certain people.”

How Psilocybin, the Psychedelic in Mushrooms, May Rewire the Brain to Ease Depression, Anxiety, and More
CNN details how psilocybin’s effects on the brain, such as differences in connectivity and neuronal outgrowth, may facilitate improvements for mental health conditions. Dr. Matthew Johnson elaborates on these effects but stresses that psychedelic medicine “doesn’t work for everyone” and that it should be combined with therapy “to maximize the benefits.”

Pioneering Clergy of Diverse Religions Embrace Psychedelics
In an interview with Lucid News, four religious professionals describe their experiences with psilocybin during a study by Johns Hopkins and NYU. Dr. Roland Griffiths comments on the “psychedelic bubble,” the over enthusiasm with psychedelic science that undermines its risks, as well as “secularized spirituality.”

Are Psychedelics Undergoing a Spiritual and Therapeutic Awakening?
Dr. David Yaden joins the KRCW podcast to discuss various topics, such as psychedelically induced experiences and their cultural connections, the impact of ritual, the “modern day shaman,” and the “next frontier” of psychedelic research.

Psilocybin, the Active Ingredient in ‘Magic Mushrooms,’ Makes Scientific Gains
The Hill reviews recent study findings to explore how psilocybin works to reduce depression. Dr. Frederick Barrett explains how neuroplastic effects and personal insights may lead to improved therapeutic outcomes.

Get Involved in Psychedelic Science

The CPCR team is growing! We are hiring for the following positions:

Psychiatric Therapist

Research Program Supervisor

Research Psychologist

Psychedemia 2022
August 12-14 | Columbus, OH | The Ohio State University
The Psychedemia conference returns after 10 years. This conference will review the recent history of psychedelic research and culture; assess where we currently stand; and chart pathways for the future of the field. Click below to learn more and get your tickets!

Learn More

Recent Publications

Gaddis, A., Lidstone, D.E., Nebel, M., Griffiths, R.R., Mostofsky, S.H., Mejia, A., & Barrett, F.S. (2022). Psilocybin induces spatially constrained alterations in thalamic functional organization and connectivity. NeuroImage. Published online July 2, 2022.
Mathai, D.S., Lee, S.M., Mora, V., O’Donnell, K.C., Garcia-Romeu, A., & Storch, E.A. (2022). Mapping consent practices for outpatient psychiatric use of ketamine. Journal of Affective Disorders, 312, 113-121. Published June 23, 2022
Boehnke, K.F., Davis, A.K., & McAfee, J. (2022). Applying lessons from cannabis to the psychedelic highway: Buckle up and build infrastructure. JAMA Health Forum, 3(6), e221618. Published June 17, 2022
Lawrence, B.W., Carhart-Harris, R., Griffiths, R.R., & Timmermann, C. (2022). Phenomenology and content of the inhaled N,N-dimethyltryptamine (N,N-DMT) experience. Scientific Reports. Published online May 24, 2022.
Frymann, T., Whitney, S., Yaden, D.B., & Lipson, J. (2022). The psychedelic integration scales: Tools for measuring psychedelic integration behaviors and experiences. Frontiers in Psychology. Published online May 23, 2022.
Yaden, D.B., Earp, D., Graziosi, M., Friedman-Wheeler, D., Luoma, J.B., & Johnson, M.W. (2022). Psychedelics and psychotherapy: cognitive-behavioral approaches as default. Frontiers in Psychology. Published online May 23, 2022.
McCulloch, Drummond & Knudsen, Gitte & Barrett, Frederick & Doss, Manoj & Carhart-Harris, Robin & Rosas, Fernando & Deco, Gustavo & Kringelbach, Morten & Preller, Katrin & Ramaekers, Johannes & Mason, Natasha & Müller, Felix & Fisher, Patrick. (2022). Psychedelic Resting-state Neuroimaging: A Review and Perspective on Balancing Replication and Novel Analyses. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 138. 104689. Published Online May 16th, 2022.
Ortiz, C. E., Dourron, H. M., Sweat, N. W., Garcia-Romeu, A., MacCarthy, S., Anderson, B. T., & Hendricks, P. S. (2022). Special considerations for evaluating psilocybin-facilitated psychotherapy in vulnerable populations. Neuropharmacology. Published online May 13th, 2022
Bradberry MM, Gukasyan N, Raison CL. Toward Risk-Benefit Assessments in Psychedelic- and MDMA-Assisted Therapies. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online April 27, 2022.
Nayak, S.M., & Griffiths, R.R. (2022). A single belief-changing psychedelic experience is associated with increased attribution of consciousness to living and non-living entities. Frontiers in Psychology. Published Online. March 28, 2022.
Mathai, D.S., Mora, V., & Garcia-Romeu, A. (2022). Toward synergies of ketamine and psychotherapy. Frontiers in Psychology. Published Online. March 25, 2022.
Gukasyan, N., Davis, A.K., Barrett, F.S., Cosimano, M.P., Sepeda, N.D., Johnson, M.W., & Griffiths, R.R. (2022). Efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder: Prospective 12-month follow-up. Journal of Psychopharmacology. Published Online. February 15, 2022.
Golden, T.L., Magsamen, M., Sandu, C.C., Roebuck, G.M., Shi, K.M., & Barrett, F.S. (2022). Effects of setting on psychedelic experiences, therapies, and outcomes: A rapid scoping review of the literature. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences. Published Online. February 10, 2022.
Barrett FS, Zhou Y, Carbonaro TM, Roberts JM, Smith GS, Griffiths RR and Wong DF (2022) Human Cortical Serotonin 2A Receptor Occupancy by Psilocybin Measured Using [11C]MDL 100,907 Dynamic PET and a Resting-State fMRI-Based Brain Parcellation. Front. Neuroergon. January 20, 2022.
Zeifman, R. J., Yu, D., Singhal, N., Wang, G., Nayak, S. M., & Weissman, C. R. (2022). Decreases in suicidality following psychedelic therapy: a meta-analysis of individual patient data across clinical trials. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 83(2), 39235. January 18, 2022

Click here for a full list of our publications

Support Psychedelic Research

Be a part of the psychedelic renaissance! Help support the faculty and staff at the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. Individual donations are always appreciated, and make the work we do possible.

Donate