Actively Recruiting
Computationally, Electrophysiologically, and Qualitatively Characterizing Serotonergic Psychedelics; Transdiagnostic Therapeutic and Pro-Psychotic Effects
Led by Yale University · Updated on 2026-05-01
200
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
Y
Yale University
Lead Sponsor
B
Burroughs Wellcome
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are conducting an observational study to understand how serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, DMT, and LSD, affect brain information processing in people with and without mental illness. The study aims to find out how these substances change the brain's reliance on new versus previously learned information during and after use, and whether they cause lasting changes in perception, belief updating, and brain electrical activity. The research also explores how these changes might predict therapeutic benefits or side effects. Participants are recruited from ongoing clinical trials at Yale University where they may receive serotonergic psychedelics or placebos. The study includes online computer assessments, magnetoencephalography (MEG) or electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and interviews conducted via Zoom. Assessments are done before, during, and several times after drug administration, including immediately post-dose, 1 day, 5-14 days, and 4-6 weeks later. During the study, participants complete computer games, questionnaires, brain scans, and interviews about their experiences. Brain activity is measured to track changes in how new and old information are processed. Researchers analyze multiple outcomes, such as changes in hallucination rates, learning errors, quality of life, mindfulness, and brain wave patterns. The study monitors these effects over time to better understand both therapeutic and psychotic-like impacts of serotonergic psychedelics.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Computer Game, Qualitative, and MEG/EEG Assessment of Serotonergic Psychedelics
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participation in approved clinical protocol at Yale University involving potential administration of serotonergic psychedelics
- Absence of pre-existing psychotic symptoms
You will not qualify if you...
- Current intoxication based on self-report
- Any neurological, medical or developmental problem that is known to impair cognition significantly based on self-report
- History of seizures based on self-report
- Contraindications for MR scanning including metallic implants of any kind, pacemakers and history of accidents with metal, claustrophobia (specific to those who will participate in MRI)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 to 30 days before administration
Participants complete baseline assessments including computer games measuring perception and learning, MEG/EEG scans, and optional MRI to characterize brain activity before receiving the serotonergic psychedelic or placebo.
1 to 2 visits depending on assessments completed
Duration - Day of administration and 1 day after
Participants receive a single administration of a serotonergic psychedelic or placebo under clinical supervision, with assessments performed during the peak drug effect period and the day after to measure brain activity, perception, and behavior changes.
1 administration visit and 2 MEG/EEG visits (day of and day after)
Duration - 2 to 14 days post administration
Participants complete follow-up computer games, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews 2 to 14 days after administration to assess ongoing effects on perception, cognition, and behavior.
1 to 2 visits depending on interview scheduling
Duration - 4 to 6 weeks post administration
Participants complete final assessments including computer games and questionnaires 4 to 6 weeks after administration to evaluate sustained effects of the serotonergic psychedelic or placebo.
1 visit (in-person or remote)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Connecticut Mental Health Center
Hamden, Connecticut, United States, 06517
Actively Recruiting
2
West Haven VA Medical Center
West Haven, Connecticut, United States, 06516
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Maximillian S Greenwald, BA
A
Albert R Powers, MD,PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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