First study of psilocybin in adults with autism opens

Researchers from King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust are leading the first ever study of psilocybin in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The study has been conceived and developed independently by the researchers and will take place at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London. It is funded by COMPASS Pathways and co-sponsored by King’s IoPPN and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

The aim of the research is to explore how specific brain pathways involving the chemical serotonin may work in adults with ASD. Serotonin is involved in many of the body’s functions including mood, sleeping patterns, appetite and socialization and previous research has shown a connection between this brain chemical and ASD.

Read about the launch of the study on the NIHR Maudsley BRC website: https://www.maudsleybrc.nihr.ac.uk/po...

Find out more on the COMPASS Pathways website: https://compasspathways.com/compass-p...

Find out more about the Psychoactive Trials Group at the IoPPN: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/psycho...

In November 2023, The Centre for Mental Health Research and Innovation opened to accelerate research into psychedelics and develop new models of care for mental health. Read more about it here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/new-psyche...

For information about taking part in the study, contact [email protected]