Mind Medicine Australia has provided funding for two studies that will be investigating the use of psilocybin and MDMA.
The company has stated that the studies aim to broaden understanding of the effectiveness and application of psychedelic medicines.
Both studies will be carried out by the ANU School of Medicine and Psychology and led by Professor Paul Fitzgerald, Associate Professor Bernadette Fitzgibbon and Dr Neil Bailey.
In a statement, Associate Professor Fitzgibbon, commented that the first study will look at the effects of a single dose of psilocybin or MDMA in healthy subjects that also have training in using psychedelic assisted therapies.
Fitzgibbon stated: “Undertaking psychedelic treatment in a one-to-one situation will be expensive, which will make it challenging for many people to access without government subsidies. If we can show that psychedelic group therapy is a safe alternative this may open the door to making treatment much more accessible.
“We’d also like to understand if therapeutic competency – by experiencing the effects of the substance – can enhance the therapists’ ability to support a patient undertaking psychedelic assisted therapy.”
The second study will look at whether psilocybin or MDMA can be used as part of therapy for treating people with obsessive compulsive disorder and consider which form of psychotherapy will work best with the medication.
Peter Hunt AM, Chairman of Mind Medicine Australia, which played a role in getting psilocybin and MDMA rescheduled in Australia, stated: “We are delighted to support Professor Paul Fitzgerald and his colleagues at the ANU on these important research projects.”
Tania de Jong AM, Executive Director of Mind Medicine Australia said: “We are excited to give Australian therapists who have received training in using these therapies the chance to experience the medicines in a group environment and look forward to hearing their insights.”
