1. Psilocybin-assisted therapy and HIV-related shame
- Author
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Mehtani, Nicky J, Johnson, Mallory O, Hendricks, Peter S, Mitchell, Jennifer, and Anderson, Brian T
- Subjects
Clinical and Health Psychology ,Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ,Psychology ,Behavioral and Social Science ,Substance Misuse ,HIV/AIDS ,Infectious Diseases ,Clinical Research ,Mental Health ,Drug Abuse (NIDA only) ,Prevention ,Sexually Transmitted Infections ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Infection ,Good Health and Well Being ,Humans ,Psilocybin ,HIV Infections ,Shame ,Male ,Female ,Adult ,Middle Aged ,Pilot Projects ,Social Stigma ,HIV ,Psychotherapy ,Psychedelics ,Stigma ,LGBTQ - Abstract
As a proposed mediator between stigma-related stressors and negative mental health outcomes, HIV-related shame has been predictive of increased rates of substance use and difficulties adhering to antiretroviral treatment among people with HIV. These downstream manifestations have ultimately impeded progress toward national goals to End the HIV Epidemic, in part due to limited success of conventional psychotherapies in addressing HIV-related shame. In a pilot clinical trial (N = 12), receipt of psilocybin-assisted group therapy was associated with a large pre-post decrease in HIV-related shame as measured by the HIV and Abuse Related Shame Inventory, with a median (IQR) change of - 5.5 (- 6.5, - 3.5) points from baseline to 3-months follow-up (Z = - 2.6, p = 0.009, r = - 0.75). A paradoxical exacerbation of sexual abuse-related shame experienced by two participants following receipt of psilocybin raises critical questions regarding the use of psilocybin therapy among patients with trauma. These preliminary findings carry potential significance for the future of HIV care.
- Published
- 2024