Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Shows Promise in Altering Personality Traits for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy and Personality Changes in AUD

Recent research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has shed light on the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy to induce positive personality changes in adults suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study, conducted by Broc Pagni, PhD, and colleagues, found that psilocybin therapy not only reduced neuroticism but also increased extraversion and openness among participants, traits that are crucial for improving long-term outcomes by mitigating factors that encourage relapse, such as impulsiveness.

Study Design and Findings

The study involved a secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 84 participants, predominantly white (approximately 77%), who were treated with either psilocybin or an active placebo (diphenhydramine) alongside 12 weeks of psychotherapy. Participants were followed for 36 weeks, during which their personality changes were measured using the revised self-report NEO Personality Inventory.

Key findings include:

• Reduced Neuroticism and Increased Extraversion and Openness: The psilocybin group showed significant decreases in neuroticism and increases in extraversion and openness compared to the placebo group.
• Gender Differences: Women experienced significant increases in conscientiousness and openness, while men saw a significant increase only in extraversion.
• Link Between Impulsivity and Alcohol Consumption: Decreased impulsivity was associated with reduced alcohol consumption post-treatment, particularly among participants with moderate to high levels of drinking before the study.

Clinical Implications

The researchers suggest that psilocybin-assisted therapy could serve as a valuable adjunct to conventional treatments for AUD and other psychiatric disorders. By altering specific personality domains, psilocybin may enhance patients' awareness of maladaptive behaviors and strengthen the therapeutic alliance, thereby improving their engagement with other evidence-based psychotherapies.

Limitations and Future Directions

Despite the promising results, the study acknowledges several limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and potential biases from baseline group differences. Future research is needed to explore the reasons behind gender differences in treatment response and to investigate whether similar personality changes occur in individuals with opioid use disorder.

This study represents a significant step forward in understanding the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in treating AUD and underscores the importance of further research in this area.