Psychedelic-assisted occupational therapy for treatment-resistant depression
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Mental health disorders significantly impact the quality of life (QOL) for those affected, their families, communities, and society at large. In the United States, depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders and a leading risk factor for suicide. Despite available evidence-based treatments, many individuals with major depression respond inadequately to first-line therapies and are considered to have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This doctoral project was designed to develop and evaluate a manualized intervention that integrates principles within psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) with an occupational therapy (OT) approach for adults, aged 45 to 65 years, diagnosed with TRD. The rationale for combining PAT with OT is to address not only TRD's clinical symptoms but also improve occupational performance and QOL. This single-group, mixed-methods, proof-of-concept study tests the Psychedelic-Assisted Occupational Therapy (PAOT) intervention program and evaluates its feasibility, acceptability, safety, and preliminary effectiveness.Quantitative measures of the PAOT program's effectiveness include the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. Qualitative data gather participants' and providers' experiences to assess treatment fidelity and acceptability. Thirty participants will complete baseline, posttreatment, 6-month, and 1-year follow-ups. Findings will determine whether the PAOT improves occupational performance and QOL and reduces depression and anxiety. Overall, this proof-of-concept study aims to establish a foundation for future randomized clinical trials, define OT's role in PAT, and address a gap in current mental health practice.
Keywords: occupational therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, treatment-resistant depression, quality of life, occupational performance
Description
2026
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International