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On-Going Studies
1. Clinical Trials:
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Psilocybin in Chronic Low Back Pain + Depression
We are conducting a trial examining the effects of psilocybin on the affective mechanisms of chronic low back pain and comorbid depression (CLBP+D), which is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. This project has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). In conducting this study, one of few current psychedelic clinical trials receiving federal funding, we are ensuring rigor throughout the process of trial design, recruitment, and execution.
Link to Study: Psilocybin in CLBP+D
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Psilocybin in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
We are currently on our way to completing our trial of psilocybin treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). In this clinical trial, we have incorporated self- report measures, outside clinician-rated assessments of OCD symptoms, and cognitive tasks. We have worked to ensure that procedures are standardized and that participants are adequately supported throughout their participation in our trial.
Link to Study: Psilocybin in OCD
2. RCTs in in Healthy Normals:
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Short-Acting Psychedelic Study (DMT & 5-MeO-DMT)
We will begin rigorous research on understudied, yet increasingly widely used, short-acting psychedelics such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N- dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). Both of these substances produce powerfully absorbing acute subjective effects lasting for about 20-30 minutes. The briefer course of these experiences substantially lowers the cost of administration and their highly intense subjective effects provide an opportunity to study profoundly altered states of consciousness. We will conduct a dose finding study to determine the proper dose for so-called “breakthrough” experiences for both compounds. We will then conduct a study comparing the acute subjective effects, risks, and well- being/worldview benefits of these compounds compared to one another as well as placebo.
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Psilocybin in Professors of Philosophy
We will conduct a study on the effects of psilocybin on professors of philosophy who endorse a belief in naturalism. This study is the third in a series that also includes psilocybin studies involving leaders of major world religions (who consider themselves religious) and long- term meditators (who consider themselves spiritual but not religious), both of which have already been completed. This study on professors of philosophy who endorse naturalism will continue this series of studies investigating the impact of various belief systems on the psychedelic experience itself as well as its persisting risks and benefits. This study demonstrates our scientific interest in studies across a range of belief systems.
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The Psychedelic Subjective Effects Study
Does the 'trip' matter? This psilocybin administration study will examine whether the acute subjective effects of psychedelics are necessary for their persisting therapeutic effects. This has turned into a field-wide and even public debate, with David Olson arguing that the psychedelic experience is not necessary here, while we have argued that the experience is likely necessary for the full and enduring effects here. This study will provide empirical data to address this question by administering psilocybin in one condition while another condition will receive psilocybin combined with a 5-HT2A antagonist (Pimavanserin), which will take away the psychedelic experience. If the groups receive the same benefit several weeks later, then that would mean that the psychedelic experience is not necessary to achieve the therapeutic effects. We believe that the acute subjective effects of psychedelics are necessary but want to scientifically test this prediction, and this study will provide some data to address this pivotal question for the field. This study is planned to begin drug administration in the Winter.
3. Survey Studies:
Probability Sampling. High quality, precise quantification of the risks and benefits of psychedelics across settings is needed. Many surveys that have been conducted so far use non-representative samples, often gathered from social media. Many of these surveys advertise themselves looking for negative or positive experiences (e.g., “Had a bad trip? Take this survey!”), which provide skewed results. Like bad polls, these methods have major limitations and have clouded understanding of the risks and benefits of psychedelics. For this reason, we have partnered with a probability sampling service, which provides properly representative surveys of the US population, to gain a more precise estimate of the risks and benefits of psychedelic use. The service is based out of the University of Chicago, and you can read more about it here. You can also read about some of our other survey results that show strong bipartisan support for psychedelics when used for treatment or enhancement published earlier this year here.
Link to studies: Survey studies and others in psychedelic research
4. Projects:
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The Archives Project
The Archives Project is an initiative to build the largest digital collection of discreet psychedelic and psychedelic-like experiences in the world in order to preserve, protect and study the rich and diversified history of humanity’s engagement with mind-altering substances. Our archive serves as a repository for articles, books, documents, and personal stories which recount psychedelic and psychedelic-like experiences from across the globe, and throughout written history. We collect, organize, and digitize these materials to ensure they are accessible to researchers, healthcare professionals, historians, and the general public. By cataloging and indexing these sources, we provide a valuable resource for studying the history of psychedelics across different cultural and linguistic traditions. Our archive aims to be a comprehensive repository that represents the diversity of psychedelic practices, experiences, and perspectives.
Link to project: The Archives Project
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Psychedelic Bioethics
We aim to constructively advance discussion on the ethical and policy issues related to psychedelic research and use, as well as translating this work into real changes for our studies and practices to provide tangible progress and concrete solutions. We currently work on a range of topics, including: informed consent in psychedelic clinical trials, the value of the acute subjective experience, the risks and benefits of integration groups, psychedelic exceptionalism, and the role of meaningfulness in medicine. We also work on topics at the intersection of psychedelics and philosophy, such as the aesthetic value of the psychedelic experience.
You can find a bibliography of articles in psychedelic bioethics linked here
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Psychometric Scale Validation and Creation
Yaden Lab is pioneering the development and validation of innovative psychometric scales through a comprehensive, mixed-methods approach. By integrating qualitative techniques—such as the RPE (Response Process Evaluation) to deeply understand how individuals interact with survey items—with advanced statistical methods like factor analysis and network analysis, we ensure our tools are both conceptually robust and empirically sound. Additionally, our large-scale cross-cultural surveys allow us to verify that these scales maintain validity and reliability across diverse populations, ultimately advancing the precision and comprehensiveness of psychological measurement.
You can find survey studies from our team and beyond at the CPCR that our currently recruiting here.