Scientists Explore the Potential of Psychedelics in Treating OCD
Scientists are delving into the possibility of using psychedelic substances as a treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In a recent preliminary study published in Scientific Reports, it was revealed that over 30% of individuals with OCD experienced positive effects lasting more than three months after consuming psychedelic substances.
OCD is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing them to have intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life, prompting individuals to search for effective treatments.
Currently, conventional therapies for OCD include cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressant medications. However, these treatments do not yield positive results for everyone, leading to an exploration of alternative approaches that can provide relief for OCD sufferers.
Anne Buot, a postdoctoral fellow in cognitive neuroscience at the Paris Brain Institute and study author, expressed the potential that classic psychedelics could offer for patients with OCD. She stated, “In the framework of the psychedelic renaissance, classic psychedelics might constitute a great opportunity for these patients.”
To investigate the potential of psychedelics, particularly classic psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms and LSD, the researchers conducted an online survey that gathered insights from 174 participants. The average age of the participants was 29 years, and there was an equal gender distribution among them. Most participants were employees or students residing in urban or suburban areas.
The researchers discovered that classic psychedelics showed promise in reducing OCD symptoms, including the dissipation of obsessive thoughts, reduced engagement in rituals, and decreased anxiety and avoidance behavior. A significant number of participants reported substantial improvements in their condition after using these substances.
Buot noted that while online surveys have biases and are not ideal methods for proving treatment efficacy, they serve as a starting point for launching well-controlled randomized controlled trials.
Participants had varying expectations regarding the impact of psychedelics on their OCD symptoms. It was found that the intensity and pleasantness of the psychedelic experience were associated with the magnitude of improvement in OCD symptoms, which contradicted previous observations in other pathologies.
Although participants reported different durations of improvement, ranging from less than a week to more than three months, no specific factors were identified to predict the persistence of improvements.
A subset of participants continued using psychedelics, with some using them at least once a week. The likelihood of subsequent intake increased with stronger improvement in OCD symptoms and their persistence. Some participants reported using microdoses of psychedelics for managing their OCD symptoms.
Despite the promising findings, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study. The reliance on an online survey and self-reported symptoms and experiences introduces biases. Therefore, further investigation is needed to confirm these observations and establish optimal dosages and protocols for using psychedelics as a potential treatment for OCD.
Buot emphasizes the need for cautious communication about the topic to prevent harmful consumption. She also points out the importance of controlled clinical trials to obtain an objective evaluation of therapeutic effects.
Ultimately, while this study offers hope for individuals with OCD, more research and careful examination are necessary before psychedelics can be considered a proven treatment for the disorder.
The study was authored by Anne Buot, Cecile Pallares, Alina Oganesyan, Charles Dauré, Valérie Bonnelle, Eric Burguière, Joao Flores Alves Dos Santos, Karim N’Diaye, Michael Ljuslin, Pauline Smith, Vincent Verroust, Benjamin Wyplosz, Margot Morgiève, and Luc Mallet.