Østfold Hospital Trust
4 papers in the library · 30 citations · publishing 2018-2025
Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening January 1, 2018 Tor-Morten Kvam, Lowan H. Stewart, Ole A. Andreassen 15 citations
Psychedelic substances show promise in treating several mental disorders, but existing studies are small and face methodological challenges. Systematic clinical trials are needed to obtain solid evidence of effectiveness and to establish routines for monitoring possible side effects.
Frontiers in Psychiatry October 26, 2022 Tor-Morten Kvam, Ivar W Goksøyr, Lowan H. Stewart et al. 11 citations
A proof-of-principle, open-label clinical trial will test MDMA-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder. Twelve participants with a DSM-5 diagnosis of MDD will receive a flexible dose of MDMA during two dosing sessions over four weeks, each followed by three integration sessions. The primary outcome is change in depression severity measured by the MADRS scale from baseline to eight weeks after the second session. Secondary outcomes include functional impairment and safety measures such as adverse events and suicidality. The trial aims to inform larger studies and optimize the treatment protocol.
Journal of Psychiatric Research November 27, 2025 Tor-Morten Kvam, Ivar W Goksøyr, Joanna Róg et al. 3 citations
In a small long-term follow-up of twelve people with major depressive disorder, MDMA-assisted therapy—two MDMA dosing sessions combined with nine psychotherapy sessions—led to sustained reductions in depression severity and disability seven months after baseline. Depression scores on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and disability scores on the Sheehan Disability Scale remained significantly lower than before treatment, with no significant changes from the immediate post-treatment visit. Suicidal ideation did not exceed pre-study levels. The results suggest lasting treatment effects and safety, though the authors call for larger controlled trials to confirm these preliminary findings.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies July 12, 2024 Kristoffer Andreas Aamodt Andersen, Bjørn Holmøy, Lowan H. Stewart 1 citation
A Norwegian version of the Revised Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30) has been developed through rigorous translation and cultural adaptation methods, including two independent forward translations, one back-translation, pilot testing on six psychedelic users, and cognitive debriefing with six experts. The MEQ30 measures mystical-type experiences induced by classic psychedelic drugs like psilocybin, which may underlie therapeutic effects for mental disorders. The Norwegian MEQ30 is ready for use in future trials in Norway, though its psychometric properties have not yet been assessed.