The University of Virginia has launched a pioneering clinical trial investigating psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, as a potential treatment for prolonged grief disorder. The study represents the first research of its kind at UVA and aims to address a clinically recognized condition that affects approximately 10% of people in mourning.
Novel Therapeutic Approach
Prolonged grief disorder is characterized by intense, persistent grief that can last a lifetime, with symptoms persisting for over a year and dramatically impacting daily functioning. Traditional treatments, including antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, often prove insufficient for this population.
"Unfortunately many of us are familiar with grief and for most of us this dissipates over time. People with prolonged grief, it obviously persists for over a year and it can be much more dramatic in how it impacts people," said Dr. Kim Penberthy, a clinical psychologist and professor in UVA's School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences.
The trial will test a single, controlled 25-milligram dose of psilocybin, targeting serotonin receptors to alter consciousness not to numb grief, but to help patients reframe their relationship with it.
Mechanism and Therapeutic Goals
Researchers believe psilocybin's therapeutic potential lies in its ability to induce specific psychological experiences that may facilitate healing. "We are trying to induce an experience where we see heightened connectedness, that is a subjective experience, feeling connected, increases a psychological flexibility. And these are the factors that we think will support the therapeutic change in prolonged grief," Penberthy explained.
The treatment approach focuses on helping patients develop a different relationship with their grief rather than eliminating it entirely. "I mean, obviously people will still miss their loved one, we can't make that go away, but we may be able to change their relationship with grief so they can function better and move on with their life," Penberthy noted.
Study Design and Safety Protocols
The trial will enroll 20 participants who undergo rigorous screening and assessment procedures. Treatment sessions occur in a controlled clinical setting with comprehensive safety measures, including the presence of two trained clinicians throughout the entire experience. Participants receive support from mental health professionals and are provided with eye masks and music during the session.
"This is brand new. This is the first kind of study like this at the University of Virginia, so we are being very, very careful and we really hypothesize that this can be significantly helpful with just one dose," Penberthy emphasized.
Following the psilocybin session, researchers track symptoms of grief and monitor changes in brain activity through several follow-up visits to assess treatment efficacy and duration of effects.
Funding and Regulatory Approval
The study is supported by an $895,866 grant from the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation. The research protocol has received approval from UVA's institutional review board and the Brain Institute, ensuring adherence to rigorous ethical and safety standards.
Researchers hope the trial results will contribute to wider clinical acceptance of psilocybin as a treatment option for prolonged grief disorder, potentially offering new hope for individuals who have been suffering from persistent, debilitating grief symptoms.
