Psilocybin research (Pitch) study
The Pitch study aims to investigate whether psilocybin can reopen sensitive periods of learning in healthy adults.
Sensitive periods are windows of enhanced learning, usually seen exclusively in childhood (e.g. language acquisition). Animal research suggests that psychedelics reopen sensitive periods for a window of time after the psychedelic wears off.
We aim to understand whether psilocybin can reopen sensitive learning periods using an 'absolute pitch' learning paradigm. Absolute pitch (sometimes known as perfect pitch) is an example of sensitive period learning in humans.
If there is a window of opportunity after psychedelic use, characterised by enhanced learning, this may inform how psychedelic-assisted therapy is conducted.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out our recruitment questionnaire.
Aims
The Pitch study will investigate whether psilocybin reopens sensitive-period learning in healthy adults. Participants will try to learn ‘perfect pitch’ (a skill typically developed only in early life), in the week after being given psilocybin. We will use computational methods applied to EEG to track the corresponding neural changes.
Methods
Each participant will complete one dosing session with psilocybin (standard dose or microdose). Over the next, week they will then perform daily pitch learning tasks at home to try to learn absolute pitch. After this, participants return for a final pitch assessment and EEG recording. The study’s main goals are to see if psilocybin enhances learning ability and to explore the related neural changes.
Trials Design
Between-subjects, randomised design
Impact
If the post-psychedelic period is characterised by a state of enhanced learning, observed uniquely during childhood, in combination with neural changes suggestive of enhanced neuroplasticity, this would offer a window of opportunity for revision of entrenched beliefs. Understanding these mechanisms has important translational relevance for the design and implementation of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Principal Investigators
Director, Centre for Innovative Therapeutics
Consultant Psychiatrist & Senior Clinical Lecturer
Investigator
PhD student
Affiliations
Funding
Funding Body: Wellcome Trust
Amount: £50,000
Period: September 2024 - September 2027