#psilocybintherapy — Public Fediverse posts
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DATE: August 7, 2026 at 08:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------TITLE: Psilocybin therapy sessions for PTSD are mostly silent, study finds
URL: https://www.psypost.org/psilocybin-therapy-sessions-for-ptsd-are-mostly-silent-study-finds/
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology indicates that during high-dose psilocybin treatment sessions for post-traumatic stress disorder, participants and support staff spend the vast majority of their time in silence. The research suggests that the support provided during these sessions relies primarily on quiet, unobtrusive presence rather than active talk therapy. This offers an updated perspective on how the clinical administration of psychedelic compounds actually functions.
Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound found in certain species of “magic” mushrooms. In recent years, it has gained attention as a potential medical treatment for various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, often leading to severe anxiety, flashbacks, and uncontrollable thoughts. In clinical trials, psilocybin is typically administered in a controlled setting with trained support staff present to ensure safety.
A common misconception is that patients undergo traditional talk therapy while actively under the influence of the drug. This idea partly stems from the structure of other experimental treatments, such as trials involving MDMA, which often feature active, verbal psychotherapy during the drug session. Because high doses of psilocybin induce intense, internally focused altered states of consciousness, carrying on a regular therapeutic conversation is often impractical.
“There was a general misunderstanding around the term ‘psychedelic assisted psychotherapy’. It implies that a psychedelic drug is administered to boost a form of psychotherapy, which most people understand as verbal to and fro between a patient and a therapist,” said Guy M. Goodwin, chief medical officer at Compass Pathways and emeritus professor of psychiatry at the University of Oxford.
Goodwin added, “In fact, as our paper shows, the vast majority of the time there is silence when a patient has taken a 25mg dose of COMP360 psilocybin. There is no psychotherapy going on. So, it makes more sense to call this a ‘psychedelic treatment’, which clearly places the emphasis on the drug’s effect.”
To explore these interactions, the scientists analyzed data from an open-label clinical trial involving 22 adult participants. All the participants had been diagnosed with PTSD and had a baseline score on a standard diagnostic scale indicating moderate to severe symptoms. Each person received a single 25-milligram dose of a synthetic psilocybin formulation known as COMP360.
The clinical outcomes for these participants provided important context for understanding the treatment’s impact. “This particular study was in patients with PTSD. Most of the patients experienced a clinically significant reduction in symptoms after a single 25mg dose of COMP360 psilocybin,” Goodwin noted. “Most described the treatment as preferable to either the drug or psychotherapy they had previously received.”
The rapid onset of these improvements stood out to the researchers. When asked about unexpected findings, Goodwin highlighted “[t]he immediacy of the therapeutic benefit, which had not been seen before for PTSD.”
The treatment process involved three distinct phases. First, participants attended three preparation sessions with two trained support providers. Next came the administration session, which lasted six to eight hours, during which participants lay in a dimly lit room, wore eyeshades, and listened to a standardized music playlist. Finally, participants attended three follow-up sessions to discuss their experiences.
The researchers recorded audio from all the sessions and transcribed the conversations. They then calculated the speech rate, measured in words per minute, for both the participants and the support providers. When analyzing the data, the authors controlled for the fact that each participant had multiple sessions and that some participants shared the same support providers. This mathematical control helped ensure the models accurately reflected the underlying speech patterns without falsely inflating the confidence of the estimates.
In addition to calculating word counts, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with the participants the day after the administration session. These interviews provided qualitative data about how the participants felt regarding the support they received. The researchers also asked participants to complete a questionnaire measuring the intensity of their altered state of consciousness at the end of the psilocybin session.
The analysis of the audio transcripts showed a stark contrast in speech rates between the different phases of the trial. During the psilocybin administration sessions, an average of 78 percent of the time passed without any talking. In comparison, silence accounted for only 25 to 30 percent of the total time during the preparation and follow-up sessions.
During the preparation phase, the words spoken per minute were generally balanced between the participants and the support staff. In the follow-up sessions, the participants spoke at a much higher rate than the providers. During the administration session itself, the speech rates for both groups dropped to very low levels. The talking that did occur mostly took place at the very beginning and the very end of the six-to-eight-hour window.
The researchers also found a negative correlation between the intensity of the psychedelic experience and the amount of talking. Participants who reported more intense feelings of boundlessness and ego dissolution tended to speak even fewer words per minute. This suggests that more immersive drug effects naturally limit the capacity or desire for verbal communication.
The post-session interviews provided evidence that participants appreciated the quiet approach of the staff. Many individuals reported that the support was unobtrusive but highly impactful. The quiet presence of the staff allowed participants the freedom to focus inwardly and autonomously navigate their own thoughts.
This internal focus is central to how the authors view the treatment’s mechanisms and future applications. Goodwin explained the team’s hope “that psychedelic treatment will be available for depressed patients who have not responded to conventional treatments next year and that it involves an inwardly directed intrapersonal experience, not psychotherapy.”
When participants did need support, it typically took the form of brief reassurance or validation. This included a staff member briefly holding a participant’s hand or offering a short verbal reminder of their physical location. Participants indicated that these small gestures provided an anchor of safety during periods of emotional intensity.
A small sample size is a primary limitation of this study, as it only included 22 individuals. The trial was also open-label, meaning both the researchers and the participants knew they were receiving psilocybin. Additionally, the measure of words per minute is a relatively simple metric for capturing the complexity of human language and clinical interaction.
A lack of conversation during therapy might outwardly resemble an absence of emotional support. However, the interview data suggests the quiet presence of staff members actively provided a strong sense of safety. The findings do not imply that verbal engagement is unimportant in mental health treatment as a whole. Instead, the research indicates that high-dose psilocybin sessions function differently than conventional talk therapy, relying on passive monitoring rather than active dialogue.
Future research could expand on these findings by studying larger groups of patients undergoing psychedelic treatments. Scientists might use natural language processing software to analyze the emotional tone and semantic content of the speech during these sessions.
The authors are already looking ahead to broader applications of their work. “We are in the process of submitting data to FDA in pursuit of an approval for the treatment of difficult to treat depression with COMP360 psilocybin. We are also starting a major late-stage study in PTSD,” Goodwin stated. He concluded, “We are not surprised by the findings of this study and we are very proud of COMP360’s differentiated clinical profile that has the potential to help the many millions of patients in need of new and effective options.”
The study, “Silence is golden: Documenting the speech production of participants and support providers in psilocybin administration sessions for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder,” was authored by Robert F. Dougherty, Nadav Liam Modlin, Niall M. McGowan, Patrick Staples, Ella Williams, Patrick Clarke, Mario Shafiei, Carly Leininger, Merve Alti, Megan Croal, Lindsey Marwood, Namik Kirlić, Gregory A. Ryslik, and Guy M. Goodwin.
URL: https://www.psypost.org/psilocybin-therapy-sessions-for-ptsd-are-mostly-silent-study-finds/
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#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #PsilocybinTherapy #PTSDTreatment #PsychedelicResearch #COMP360 #SilenceInTherapy #PsychedelicAssistedTherapy #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthInnovation #ClinicalTrials #OxfordResearch
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DATE: July 30, 2026 at 10:00AM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------TITLE: Psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise for veterans with severe, treatment-resistant PTSD
A new study provides evidence that psilocybin combined with psychotherapy can safely reduce symptoms for military veterans suffering from severe, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder. The findings suggest this approach tends to offer meaningful relief for individuals who have not responded to standard therapies. The research was recently published in the journal Communications Medicine.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms often include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the trauma. Patients also frequently experience avoidance behaviors and negative changes in mood. Among military veterans, this condition tends to be more severe, chronic, and difficult to treat than in the general public.
Many veterans do not respond to standard psychological therapies or traditional medications like antidepressants. This lack of effective options often leaves them with long-term disability and a heightened risk of suicide. Seeking better solutions, a research team explored the potential of psilocybin, which is the primary psychoactive compound found in certain species of mushrooms. When taken in a controlled clinical setting with psychological support, this substance induces profound alterations in perception and mood that might help individuals process traumatic memories.
The research team was led by Stacey B. Armstrong and Alan K. Davis from the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education at The Ohio State University. They designed a clinical trial to evaluate whether this combined approach is safe and effective for veterans specifically. By pairing the drug with intensive psychological support, the scientists aimed to disrupt the underlying emotional maintenance processes that keep patients locked in cycles of trauma.
This new project builds on a growing foundation of previous research indicating the benefits of psychedelic treatments. For example, a previous survey study led by Davis found that psychedelics tend to increase a trait known as psychological flexibility. This concept refers to a person’s ability to stay connected to the present moment and manage difficult emotions without avoiding them. In that survey of over two thousand individuals, increases in psychological flexibility were linked to decreases in depression and anxiety.
Another previous study, authored by Armstrong, looked at 45 United States Special Operations Forces veterans who received treatments in Mexico. These veterans were given ibogaine, a compound derived from an African shrub, alongside a psychedelic substance known as 5-MeO-DMT. That research provided evidence for significant reductions in both alcohol misuse and trauma symptoms. The veterans also demonstrated notable improvements in cognitive functioning that persisted for at least six months.
Additionally, Davis recently co-authored a long-term follow-up study on patients who received psilocybin therapy for major depressive disorder. Five years after the initial clinical trial, 67 percent of the participants were still in remission from their depression. The researchers noted that the treatment seemed to fundamentally shift how patients related to their depressive symptoms. Even when patients faced new emotional hurdles, they reported that their depression felt more situational and manageable.
To test the psilocybin approach in a new group, the scientists recruited 12 military veterans for an 11-week pilot study. Each participant suffered from severe PTSD that had not responded to standard medical and psychological treatments. The group included nine men and three women, with an average age of about 38 years. Eight of the participants were married and living with a spouse.
The treatment protocol involved roughly 16 hours of psychotherapy spread across multiple visits. Participants first completed eight hours of preparation therapy to build trust with the clinicians and learn grounding techniques. The preparation phase was designed to help the veterans set intentions and mentally prepare for the intense effects of the drug.
Following the preparation phase, the veterans completed two separate dosing sessions spaced two to three weeks apart. During the first session, they received a 15-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin. In the second session, they received a higher 25-milligram dose.
Two facilitators stayed in the room for the entire eight-hour drug experience to monitor vital signs and provide emotional support. The participants were encouraged to wear eyeshades and listen to music. This setup allowed them to focus inward on their thoughts and emotions during the acute effects of the medication.
The days after each dosing session included integration therapy, where the clinicians helped the veterans process what they experienced. This step is intended to help the patients apply any psychological insights they gained to their daily lives.
The researchers found the treatment to be safe and well-tolerated by the veterans. No serious adverse events occurred at any point during the trial. The participants’ heart rates and blood pressures remained within safe limits during the dosing sessions. The most common minor side effects were mild headaches, brief anxiety, and dizziness, all of which resolved on their own.
In terms of clinical outcomes, the scientists observed large and statistically significant reductions in trauma symptoms. At a one-month follow-up assessment, 75 percent of the participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. On a standardized clinical rating scale, the average symptom severity score dropped by 27.5 points.
The research team also monitored the participants for suicidal thoughts and behaviors throughout the trial. They found no increase in suicidal ideation during the study. By the one-month follow-up, 75 percent of the veterans reported no suicidal thoughts at all, and the remaining reports were classified as passive.
The scientists also noted that the veterans showed some symptom improvement during the preparation therapy phase, even before taking the drug. This provides evidence that the psychological support itself plays a supportive role in the healing process. The researchers also tested whether the participants’ expectations for the treatment influenced their outcomes.
They found that a person’s belief in how well the therapy would work did not predict their actual symptom reduction. This suggests that the positive changes were likely driven by the treatment itself rather than by placebo expectations.
These initial findings offer a promising look at a new therapy, but there are several limitations to keep in mind. The pilot study relied on a very small sample size of only 12 participants and did not include a control group. Because everyone knew they were receiving the active drug, the expectations and the intense support provided might have influenced the outcomes. The observed symptom reductions cannot be strictly proven to be caused by the psilocybin alone.
The highly screened nature of the participants also means the results might not apply to all veterans. Individuals with a history of serious suicide attempts or specific psychotic disorders were excluded from the trial for safety reasons. The follow-up period was also limited to just one month, leaving questions about the long-term durability of these specific results.
Future research needs to include larger groups of participants who are randomly assigned to receive either the active treatment or a placebo. This type of blinded study would help clarify exactly how much of the improvement is due to the chemical effects of the drug versus the therapy itself. Scientists also hope to investigate how biological changes in the brain correspond to the psychological relief reported by the patients.
Additional trials might explore whether combining this intervention with other established psychological treatments could yield even better outcomes. Understanding how this substance interacts with different symptom profiles will help clinicians tailor the approach to individual needs. Expanding the diversity of the participants will also be necessary to ensure the therapy is safe and effective for a wider population.
The study, “Safety, feasibility, and preliminary clinical outcomes of psilocybin-assisted therapy for veterans with severe, treatment-resistant PTSD: an open-label pilot clinical trial,” was authored by Stacey B. Armstrong, Adam W. Levin, Nathan D. Sepeda, Hillary Shaub, Taweh Hunter, Angela Douglas, Rafaelle Lancelotta, and Alan K. Davis.
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#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #PsilocybinTherapy #PTSDRecovery #VeteransHealth #MentalHealthInnovation #PsychedelicResearch #TraumaHealing # PTSDTreatment #OpenLabelTrial #PsychologicalFlexibility #SafetyFeasibility
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Psychedelic Research Edges Toward Nuance, Moving Beyond Broad Strokes
New research shows low sensory changes from psychedelics like psilocybin may improve therapy for depression and PTSD. Learn how.
#PsychedelicResearch, #PsilocybinTherapy, #MentalHealth, #PTSD, #Depression
https://newsletter.tf/psychedelics-low-sensory-changes-therapy-outcomes/
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Scientists now believe small sensory changes from psychedelics are key to therapy, not just side effects. This is a big shift from older ideas.
#PsychedelicResearch, #PsilocybinTherapy, #MentalHealth, #PTSD, #Depression
https://newsletter.tf/psychedelics-low-sensory-changes-therapy-outcomes/ -
Psilocybin therapy offers relief from multiple psychiatric symptoms in cancer patients https://www.psypost.org/psilocybin-therapy-offers-relief-from-multiple-psychiatric-symptoms-in-cancer-patients/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #PsilocybinTherapy #Psychotherapy #CancerPatients #PsychiatricSymptoms #MentalHealth
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Majority of Americans support supervised use of psilocybin for mental health and well-being https://www.psypost.org/majority-of-americans-support-supervised-use-of-psilocybin-for-mental-health-and-well-being/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #PsilocybinTherapy #MentalHealth #WellBeing #PersonalGrowth #Psychedelics
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https://psychedelictherapy.institute/ketamine-research-1/esketamine-psiclybin-number-to-treat-depression A comparison between #psilocybin and #esketamine in treatment-resistant depression using number needed to treat (NNT): A systematic review (Wong, et al, 2024) suggests safety and efficacy for #depression #numbertotreat #psychedelics #ketaminetherapy #psilocybintherapy #psychedelicassistedtherapy #psychedelics
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Unique Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Psilocybin Therapy Versus Escitalopram Treatment in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (Weiss, et al, 2024)
https://ketaminetherapypalmsprings.com/psilocybinassisted-therapy/psilocybin-therapy-psychedelic-experience #psilocybin #psychedelic #thepsychedelicexperience #egodeath #mysticalexperience #psychedelics #psychedelicresearch #psilocybintherapy #psychedelicassistedpsychotherapy