Open Label, Phase 2 Study for Evaluating the Feasibility, Safety and Efficacy of Psychotherapy Assisted Psilocybin for Treatment of Severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Drug and/or Psychotherapy Resistant Patients.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent distressing thoughts and substantial anxiety, accompanied by repetitive behaviors or mental rituals. Individuals with OCD often have diminished quality of life, and functional impairment . The disorder cause high personal, societal and economic costs . Current available treatments for OCD show moderate response rate and high rate of symptom relapse. The purpose of the current study is to explore new alternative options for the treatment of OCD that can widely and continuously benefit patients. Specifically, The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of psychotherapy assisted psilocybin for treatment of severe OCD. Previous research has shown safety of treatment and high efficacy in reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms. However, only one study has evaluated the use of psilocybin for OCD patients. The protocol includes 15 therapeutic sessions, of which 12 are one-hour sessions for psychological preparation and integration, and three are eight hours' experiential sessions under the influence of psilocybin. The research will include 15 participants diagnosed with severe OCD, with at least one treatment failure. Assessments will be based on comparing ratings of the main outcome measure (Y-BOCS), at baseline, at the middle and at end of treatment. Other assessments will include data on side effects- to evaluate safety, and possible spiritual variables underlying change in symptoms via standardized questionnaires.
• 1\. DSM-5 diagnosis of OCD established by a trained clinician interview and confirmed by Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview MINI (edition 7).
• 2\. Y-BOCS score of 16 or greater at evaluation 3. Treatment resistant- Patients; must have failed at least one medication and/or therapy trial of standard care treatment for OCD.
• 4\. Age: 18 Years to 65 Years 5. Has been off selective serotonin inhibitors for five half-lives of the drug plus 2 weeks.
• 6\. Must avoid starting new psychotherapy or psychiatric (medical) treatment during the study, without consulting the study team.
• 7\. Are willing to refrain from taking any psychiatric medications or recreational drugs during the study period.
• 8\. Must have a negative pregnancy test at study entry and prior to each experiential/ psychedelic session, if able to bear children, and must agree to use adequate birth control.
• 9\. Must be willing to sign a medical release form for the investigators to communicate directly with their therapist and doctors to confirm a medication and/or medical history. This is decided on a case by case basis upon the discretion of the PI.
• 10\. Must provide a contact (relative, spouse, close friend, or other caregiver) who is willing and able to be reached by the Clinical Investigators in the event of a participant becoming suicidal or any another relevant reason.
• 11\. Are willing to commit to medication dosing, experiential/ psychedelic sessions, psychotherapy and follow-up sessions and to complete the full evaluation.