1
|
Davis AK, Averill LA, Sepeda ND, Barsuglia JP, Amoroso T. Psychedelic Treatment for Trauma-Related Psychological and Cognitive Impairment Among US Special Operations Forces Veterans. Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks) 2020; 4:2470547020939564. [PMID: 32704581 PMCID: PMC7359647 DOI: 10.1177/2470547020939564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans are at increased risk for a variety of mental health problems and cognitive impairment associated with military service. Current treatments are lacking in effectiveness and adherence. Therefore, this study examined psychedelic treatment with ibogaine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine for trauma-related psychological and cognitive impairment among U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans. METHOD We conducted a survey of Veterans who completed a specific psychedelic clinical program in Mexico between 2017 and 2019. Questions probed retrospective reports of mental health and cognitive functioning during the 30 days before and 30 days after treatment. A total of 65 people completed treatment during this time frame and were eligible for contact. Of these, 51 (78%) completed the survey and were included in data analyses (mean age = 40; male = 96%; married = 55%; Caucasian/White = 92%; Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Service = 96%). RESULTS Results indicated significant and very large reductions in retrospective report of suicidal ideation (p < .001; d = -1.9), cognitive impairment (p < .001; d = -2.8), and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (p < .001; d = -3.6), depression (p < .001; d = -3.7), and anxiety (p < .001; d = -3.1). Results also showed a significant and large increase in retrospective report of psychological flexibility (p < .001; d = 2.9) from before-to-after the psychedelic treatment. Increases in the retrospective report of psychological flexibility were strongly associated with retrospective report of reductions in cognitive impairment, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety (rs range -0.61 to -0.75; p < .001). Additionally, most participants rated the psychedelic experiences as one of the top five personally meaningful (84%), spiritually significant (88%), and psychologically insightful (86%) experiences of their lives.Limitations: Several limitations should be considered including the retrospective, self-report, survey design of the study, and the lack of randomization and blinding, thus making these finding preliminary. CONCLUSION U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans may have unique treatment needs because of the sequela of problems associated with repeated trauma exposure and the nature of the exposure. Psychedelic-assisted therapy with these under-researched psychedelics may hold unique promise for this population. However, controlled studies are needed to determine whether this treatment is efficacious in relieving mental health and cognitive impairment among U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan K. Davis
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lynnette A. Averill
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nathan D. Sepeda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Timothy Amoroso
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abdallah CG, Roache JD, Averill LA, Young-McCaughan S, Martini B, Gueorguieva R, Amoroso T, Southwick SM, Guthmiller K, López-Roca AL, Lautenschlager K, Mintz J, Litz BT, Williamson DE, Keane TM, Peterson AL, Krystal JH. Repeated ketamine infusions for antidepressant-resistant PTSD: Methods of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2019; 81:11-18. [PMID: 30999057 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating disorder with limited medication treatment options. Recent reports have described the dearth of research on new drug development as a crisis in the pharmacotherapy of PTSD. There are only two PTSD medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and both are serotonergic antidepressants. Therefore, there is a tremendous need to identify more effective and more rapidly acting pharmacotherapies for PTSD that work through novel neural mechanisms. Pilot evidence and case reports provided preliminary evidence supporting the safety and utility of investigating the therapeutic effects of ketamine in PTSD. However, the efficacy of this drug for PTSD has not yet been tested in active duty military or veteran populations. Here, we report the design and methods of a study funded under the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD. The study is a multisite, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial to examine the dose-related efficacy of ketamine, as compared to placebo, in producing a rapid and sustained reduction in PTSD symptomatology in veterans and active duty military populations with antidepressant-resistant PTSD. Approximately 198 eligible participants who meet criteria for PTSD will be randomized to the study drug (i.e., ketamine 0.5 mg/kg, ketamine 0.2 mg/kg, or placebo). The study drug will be administered intravenously twice per week for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up period. This ongoing study is the only trial of therapeutic effects of ketamine for PTSD and the first placebo-controlled trial to determine the dose-related effects of repeated ketamine on PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chadi G Abdallah
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - John D Roache
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Lynnette A Averill
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Brenda Martini
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Ralitza Gueorguieva
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Timothy Amoroso
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Steven M Southwick
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Kevin Guthmiller
- Department of Pain Management, Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Argelio L López-Roca
- Department of Behavioral Health, Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Karl Lautenschlager
- Department of Pain Management, Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Brett T Litz
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Douglas E Williamson
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Terence M Keane
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alan L Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - John H Krystal
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amoroso T. The spurious relationship between ecstasy use and neurocognitive deficits: A Bradford Hill review. Int J Drug Policy 2018; 64:47-53. [PMID: 30579220 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have suggested that MDMA can cause neurocognitive deficits. However, the available data can only suggest an association - rather than a causal relationship - between MDMA use and neurocognitive deficits. The reliability and robustness of this association was evaluated using Bradford Hill's criteria for determining causation in epidemiology research. Several limitations in the literature were found. Studies have recruited people who abuse ecstasy - an illicit drug that does not always contain MDMA. There is inherent risk in consuming impure or falsely identified substances; and using this as a source as for scientific opinion may introduce biases in our understanding the actuals risks associated with MDMA. Importantly, given that ecstasy research is predominately retrospective, baseline functioning cannot be established; which may be influenced by a variety of preexisting factors. Many studies introduce statistical errors by inconsistently dichotomizing and comparing light and heavy ecstasy users, making dose-response relationships inconclusive. When interpreting the ecstasy literature effect sizes are a more meaningful indicator of neurocognitive functioning rather than relying on p-values alone. Most meta-analyses have failed to find clinically relevant differences between ecstasy users and controls. There is also consistent evidence of publication bias in this field of research, which indicates that the literature is both biased and incomplete. Finally, suggestions for improving the ecstasy literature are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Amoroso
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Averill CL, Satodiya RM, Scott JC, Wrocklage KM, Schweinsburg B, Averill LA, Akiki TJ, Amoroso T, Southwick SM, Krystal JH, Abdallah CG. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptom Severities Are Differentially Associated With Hippocampal Subfield Volume Loss in Combat Veterans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [PMID: 29520395 PMCID: PMC5839647 DOI: 10.1177/2470547017744538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Two decades of human neuroimaging research have associated volume reductions
in the hippocampus with posttraumatic stress disorder. However, little is
known about the distribution of volume loss across hippocampal subfields.
Recent advances in neuroimaging methods have made it possible to accurately
delineate 10 gray matter hippocampal subfields. Here, we apply a volumetric
analysis of hippocampal subfields to data from a group of combat-exposed
Veterans. Method Veterans (total, n = 68, posttraumatic stress disorder, n = 36; combat
control, n = 32) completed high-resolution structural magnetic resonance
imaging. Based on previously validated methods, hippocampal subfield volume
measurements were conducted using FreeSurfer 6.0. The Clinician-Administered
PTSD Scale assessed posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity; Beck
Depression Inventory assessed depressive symptom severity. Controlling for
age and intracranial volume, partial correlation analysis examined the
relationship between hippocampal subfields and symptom severity. Correction
for multiple comparisons was performed using false discovery rate. Gender,
intelligence, combat severity, comorbid anxiety, alcohol/substance use
disorder, and medication status were investigated as potential
confounds. Results In the whole sample, total hippocampal volume
negatively correlated with Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale and Beck Depression Inventory scores. Of the 10
hippocampal subfields, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale symptom severity
negatively correlated with the hippocampus–amygdala
transition area (HATA). Beck Depression Inventory scores
negatively correlated with dentate gyrus, cornu ammonis 4 (CA4), HATA,
CA2/3, molecular layer, and CA1. Follow-up analysis limited to the
posttraumatic stress disorder group showed a negative correlation between
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale symptom severity and each of HATA, CA2/3,
molecular layer, and CA4. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence relating posttraumatic stress disorder
and depression symptoms to abnormalities in the HATA, an anterior
hippocampal region highly connected to prefrontal-amygdala circuitry.
Notably, dentate gyrus abnormalities were associated with depression
severity but not posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Future confirmatory
studies should determine the extent to which dentate gyrus volume can
differentiate between posttraumatic stress disorder- and depression-related
pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Averill
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ritvij M Satodiya
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kristen M Wrocklage
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, Department of Psychology, Wallingford, CT, USA
| | - Brian Schweinsburg
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lynnette A Averill
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Teddy J Akiki
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Timothy Amoroso
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Steven M Southwick
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John H Krystal
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chadi G Abdallah
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Amoroso T, Workman M. Treating posttraumatic stress disorder with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy: A preliminary meta-analysis and comparison to prolonged exposure therapy. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:595-600. [PMID: 27118529 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116642542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a major area of research and development. The most widely accepted treatment for PTSD is prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, but for many patients it is intolerable or ineffective. ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) has recently re-emerged as a new treatment option, with two clinical trials having been published and both producing promising results. However, these results have yet to be compared to existing treatments. The present paper seeks to bridge this gap in the literature. Often the statistical significance of clinical trials is overemphasized, while the magnitude of the treatment effects is overlooked. The current meta-analysis aims to provide a comparison of the cumulative effect size of the MDMA-AP studies with those of PE. Effect sizes were calculated for primary and secondary outcome measures in the MDMA-AP clinical trials and compared to those of a meta-analysis including several PE clinical trials. It was found that MDMA-AP had larger effect sizes in both clinician-observed outcomes than PE did (Hedges' g=1.17 vs. g=1.08, respectively) and patient self-report outcomes (Hedges' g=0.87 vs. g=0.77, respectively). The dropout rates of PE and MDMA-AP were also compared, revealing that MDMA-AP had a considerably lower percentage of patients dropping out than PE did. These results suggest that MDMA-AP offers a promising treatment for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Amoroso
- Department of Psychology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Michael Workman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Amoroso T. The Psychopharmacology of ±3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and its Role in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Psychoactive Drugs 2015; 47:337-44. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2015.1094156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|