Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, or Substance Use Disorders

Two systematic reviews, 3 randomized controlled trials, and 2 single-arm safety trials were identified that evaluated several combinations of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Psilocybin was the psychedelic most tested. Other psychedelics identified in the systematic reviews and primary studies were 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (or MDMA), lysergic acid diethylamide (or LSD), ayahuasca (also named N,N-dimethyltryptamine [or DMT]), ibogaine, ketamine, and nitrous oxide. Manualized therapy (not defined) and non-directive support (not defined) were the psychotherapies most studied in the relevant primary studies in the 2 systematic reviews. Other psychotherapies identified included integrative psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), CBT and motivational enhancement therapy, psychosocial interventions, non-directive support, group talk therapy, and guided support. Clinical effectiveness lasting weeks to months was observed in 1 systematic review that reviewed primary studies examining various combinations of psychedelics and psychotherapy in patients with various mental health conditions. Significant improvement in symptom scores related to mental illnesses and no serious and long-term adverse events were reported in the other systematic review. Various combinations of psychedelics and psychotherapies were evaluated in 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 safety studies. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapies were associated with improvements in the symptoms related to substance use disorder in 2 RCTs. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy was reported to be efficacious in treating MDD in 1 RCT. No serious adverse effects were reported in the RCTs or in 2 safety trials using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. There were several limitations to the included studies, including small sample sizes (less than 20 in the majority of primary studies), relatively short follow-ups (1 week to 3 years; less than or equal to 1 year in 27 out of 31 relevant publications), differences in psychotherapy classification between systematic reviews, considerable heterogeneity between studies, and unclear generalizability and availability of the interventions in Canadian contexts. Therefore, findings should be interpreted with caution. No relevant guidelines were identified.

An adolescent with new-onset inattention

Cannabis use disorder is defined as a pattern of use that includes at least two signs or symptoms of problematic use. Cannabis is the second most commonly used psychoactive substance by adolescents. Cannabis use is associated with significant impairments in multiple cognitive domains, although even one week of abstinence can result in improved cognitive functioning. Cannabis use, particularly of products containing high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), increases the likelihood of developing schizophrenia. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may be helpful for decreasing cravings and the risk of relapse. The most effective therapy modalities for cannabis use disorder are motivational enhancement therapy, contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and family-based therapy.

Effectiveness of Video Assisted Teaching Programme on Cannabis Abuse on Level of Knowledge among Undergraduate Students

Introduction: Cannabis is a one of the illegal substance used worldwide. Its abuse can affect us psychologically, socially, physiologically and the strategies used to overcome addiction is psycho-education, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, contingency management, family based therapy and pharmacotherapy. Aim: To evaluate effectiveness of video assisted teaching programme on cannabis abuse on level of knowledge among undergraduate students. Method: A Quantitative pre experimental one group pre test and post test design. Research approach was adopted in which was conducted on 80 Undergraduate students by Non probability, Multi stage cluster sampling technique. The data collection tool consists of two parts socio demographic variables and structured knowledge questionnaire regarding cannabis abuse which consists of 40 items. The data was self administered and analysed using SPSS 23 done (descriptive and inferential statistics). Findings: According to 1st objective in pre test there were 54(67.5%) undergraduate students’ with poor knowledge , 26(32.5%) undergraduate students’ with average knowledge, 44(55%) had average knowledge, 36(45%) had good knowledge and in post test 2 48(60%) had average knowledge, 32(40%) had good knowledge. Mean & SD of Pre and Post test 1& Post test 2 score on level of knowledge of undergraduate students in which Mean & SD of Pre Test is 12.56±3.607, Post test 1 is 25.21±6.915 and post test 2 is 26.49±4.707. (f=162.38; p<0.001* *) . Conclusion: The study reveals the fact that video assisted teaching significantly increases knowledge among undergraduate Students regarding cannabis abuse Keywords: Cannabis abuse, effectiveness, knowledge.

Psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for cannabis use disorder and mental health comorbidities: a narrative review

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug worldwide, and it is estimated that up to 30% of people who use cannabis will develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD). Demand for treatment of CUD is increasing in almost every region of the world and cannabis use is highly comorbid with mental disorders, where sustained use can reduce treatment compliance and increase risk of relapse. In this narrative review, we outline evidence for psychosocial and pharmacological treatment strategies for CUD, both alone and when comorbid with psychosis, anxiety or depression. Psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational enhancement therapy and contingency management are currently the most effective strategy for treating CUD but are of limited benefit when comorbid with psychosis. Pharmacological treatments targeting the endocannabinoid system have the potential to reduce cannabis withdrawal and cannabis use in CUD. Mental health comorbidities including anxiety, depression and psychosis hinder effective treatment and should be addressed in treatment provision and clinical decision making to reduce the global burden of CUDs. Antipsychotic medication may decrease cannabis use and cannabis craving as well as psychotic symptoms in patients with CUD and psychosis. Targeted treatments for anxiety and depression when comorbid with CUD are feasible.

Mystical-type experiences occasioned by ketamine mediate its impact on at-risk drinking: Results from a randomized, controlled trial

Background: Sub-anesthetic ketamine administration may be helpful for substance use disorders. Converging evidence suggests that the efficacy of ketamine for certain conditions may implicate a subset of its psychoactive effects. Aims: The aim of this analysis is to evaluate whether the mystical-type effects of ketamine are critical for clinical efficacy in alcohol-dependent individuals. In this secondary analysis, we determine if a subset of the psychoactive effects of ketamine, the so-called mystical-type experience, mediates the effect of ketamine, when combined with motivational enhancement therapy, on at-risk drinking behavior in alcohol-dependent individuals interested in treatment. Methods: Forty alcohol dependent adults were randomized to either a 52-minute infusion of ketamine or midazolam, which they received on a designated quit-day during the second week of a five-week motivational enhancement therapy regimen. Psychoactive effects were assessed following the infusion, and alcohol use was monitored for the subsequent 3 weeks at each twice-weekly visit. Results: We found that ketamine leads to significantly greater mystical-type effects (by Hood Mysticism Scale) and dissociation (by Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale) compared to the active control. Ketamine also led to significant reduction in at-risk drinking. The Hood Mysticism Scale, but not Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale score, was found to mediate the effect of ketamine on drinking behavior. Conclusions: This trial adds evidence to the literature on the importance of mystical-type experiences in addiction treatment. Future research should continue to investigate the relationship between the psychoactive effects of psychedelic therapeutics and clinical outcomes for other substance use and mental health disorders.

Improving substance misuse outcomes in contingency management treatment with adjunctive formal psychotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesContingency management (CM) is a treatment for substance misuse that involves the provision of incentives. This review examines the hypothesis that adding another formal psychotherapy, such as cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) or motivational enhancement therapy (MET), to CM improves substance use outcomes at both treatment end and at post-treatment follow-up compared with CM only.Data sourcesSearches were performed in December 2017 and July 2019 of seven electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycEXTRA), as well as online trial registries and EThoS, and were followed by reference list screening.Eligibility criteriaIncluded studies were randomised controlled trials of adults (18–65) who were using illicit substances, alcohol or tobacco. Studies featured an experimental arm delivering CM combined with a structured evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention and a CM-only arm. Studies published up to July 2019 were included.Data extraction and synthesisThe primary outcome was biometrically verified point prevalent abstinence (PPA) at treatment end. Secondary outcomes included biometrically verified PPA at post-treatment follow-up and self-reported days of use at treatment end and post-treatment follow-up. Pooled risk ratios for PPA outcomes and standardised mean differences for days of use were calculated using random effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.Results12 studies (n=1654) were included. The primary analysis found no evidence of a synergistic effect in PPA at treatment end (relative risk (RR) 0.97, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.09; p=0.57). Sensitivity analysis of studies featuring CBT/MET also found no evidence of an effect (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.08; p=0.32). None of the secondary outcomes showed any evidence of benefit.ConclusionThe results of the meta-analyses found no evidence that combining CM with another intervention improves the short-term or long-term effects of CM treatment.