Riikka-Liisa Johanna Ajantaival

Helsinki University Hospital

2 papers in the library · 188 citations · publishing 2021-2022

Papers

The effects of psilocybin on cognitive and emotional functions in healthy participants: Results from a phase 1, randomised, placebo-controlled trial involving simultaneous psilocybin administration and preparation

Journal of Psychopharmacology January 1, 2022 James Rucker, Lindsey Marwood, Riikka-Liisa Johanna Ajantaival et al. 101 citations

A single dose of 10 or 25 mg psilocybin, given simultaneously to up to six healthy adults with one-to-one psychological support, did not impair cognitive function or emotional processing. Over 500 treatment-emergent adverse events were reported, mostly mild and resolving within a day, with no serious events or study withdrawals. Cognitive performance, measured by a Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery global composite score and domain scores, showed no clinically relevant differences between psilocybin and placebo groups. The findings suggest that these doses of psilocybin are generally well tolerated and safe for cognitive function in the short and long term.

DOI: 10.1177/02698811211064720 Psilocybin Placebo Adverse effect Psychology +5

Development and Evaluation of a Therapist Training Program for Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Clinical Research

Frontiers in Psychiatry February 3, 2021 Sara Tai, Elizabeth M. Nielson, Molly Lennard-Jones et al. 87 citations

A therapist training program for psilocybin therapy, developed for a phase IIb international, multicenter, randomized controlled study of treatment-resistant depression, is described. The manualized approach, based on evidence-based psychotherapeutic methods and approved by the FDA, includes online learning, in-person training, applied clinical training, and ongoing mentoring. After training 65 health care professionals across the US, Canada, and Europe, feedback indicated that didactic and experiential learning helped build conceptual understanding and skills. Clinical training and participant care under experienced therapists were most beneficial and challenging. Rigorous, scalable training requires collaboration among public, academic, and industry partners.

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.586682 Psilocybin General partnership Mental health Psychology +5