Research Center: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Location: 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
Lead Researchers: David Yaden, Ph.D. and Patrick Finan, Ph.D.
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Johns Hopkins Institutional Review Board

Do you suffer from lower back pain and depression? Did you know that chronic lower back pain affects approximately 619 million people worldwide and is the current leading cause of disability? Unfortunately for many people with lower back pain, depression often comes with the condition as well. But what if there might be a chance to change that?

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are looking at the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy on chronic lower back pain and moderate depression. Psychedelic research, such as this psilocybin study, may help people by potentially altering their pain perception and by reducing the impacts of depression.

So be a part of this pioneering study and help researchers explore the potential of psilocybin therapy. Your participation might also assist others suffering from similar conditions. Join now and help bridge the knowledge gap.

• Participants may receive a new potential treatment for lower back pain and moderate depression at no cost to themselves.
• Participants will be compensated up to $514 for participating in this study.
• Participants may experience improvements in their lower back pain and depression symptoms.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Individuals aged 21 to 65 years who have had low back pain for 3 months or longer
• Must have moderate symptoms of depression
• Must have at least a high school level of education
• Must be on a stable dose of opioids. benzodiazepines, or other psychoactive or pain medications over the last 4 weeks if currently on these medications
• Must be on a stable dose of SSRIs, SNRIs, and/or a bupropion dosage <300 mg over the last 2 months if currently on these medications
• Participants may have used hallucinogens in their lifetime, but the usage must have been limited.
• Must not have a known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate
• Must be able to commit to this study over approximately 8 weeks

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• After successful completion of online and telephone screening, participants will be required to attend an in-person initial screening which will take place over one visit at the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research (CPCR) at Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus.
• The initial screening will require participants to complete informed consent forms, medical and psychological screenings, baseline symptoms, and other outcome measure assessments.
• Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
  • Psilocybin Group
  • Placebo Group

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation’s very best in education. These numbers are important, but we’re more than numbers – we’re a community of seekers and dreamers. Using the latest tools and teachings available to scientists and doctors, we become healers, caregivers, discoverers, and inventors.