Rodolfo Leuzzi , Giovanni Tardivo , Luca Pellegrini , Umberto Albert , Naomi A. Fineberg
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
There is interest in the potential of psychedelics as treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs), though research in this field is still at an early stage. In this review, we examine the methodological issues present in existing research investigating the use of psychedelics in OCRDs, as a basis for improved trial design.
Methods
We searched PubMed and PsycInfo for published studies and Clinicaltrial.gov for unpublished studies investigating the use of psychedelic in individuals with OCRDs. We reviewed the identified studies and described the main methodological issues undermining study outcomes. We analyzed the published selected papers using standard tools (Cochrane Risk of Bias for Non-Randomized Studies, ROBINS-I).
Results
We found just two published and seven unpublished studies. Risk of bias analysis revealed a critical risk of bias, primarily related to experimental design (e.g., absence of adequate control condition), expectation bias among study participants and problems ensuring adequate blinding. The analysis of unpublished studies, although limited, identified parallel concerns, while also highlighting the implementation of promising strategies for advancing the field.
Discussion
There is a shortage of unbiased evidence. Although the shortcomings in the design of the few existing studies raise important concerns, early potential efficacy justify further, well-designed research. Potential strategies, some of which already implemented in ongoing studies, to address current issues and improve the validity of future studies include the use of blinded raters and of a credible control (such as virtual reality), the choice of a lower drug dose and the inclusion of only drug-naive subjects.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (JOCRD) is an international journal that publishes high quality research and clinically-oriented articles dealing with all aspects of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related conditions (OC spectrum disorders; e.g., trichotillomania, hoarding, body dysmorphic disorder). The journal invites studies of clinical and non-clinical (i.e., student) samples of all age groups from the fields of psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, and other medical and health sciences. The journal''s broad focus encompasses classification, assessment, psychological and psychiatric treatment, prevention, psychopathology, neurobiology and genetics. Clinical reports (descriptions of innovative treatment methods) and book reviews on all aspects of OCD-related disorders will be considered, as will theoretical and review articles that make valuable contributions.
Suitable topics for manuscripts include:
-The boundaries of OCD and relationships with OC spectrum disorders
-Validation of assessments of obsessive-compulsive and related phenomena
-OCD symptoms in diverse social and cultural contexts
-Studies of neurobiological and genetic factors in OCD and related conditions
-Experimental and descriptive psychopathology and epidemiological studies
-Studies on relationships among cognitive and behavioral variables in OCD and related disorders
-Interpersonal aspects of OCD and related disorders
-Evaluation of psychological and psychiatric treatment and prevention programs, and predictors of outcome.