Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common disorder that affects as many as 3% of the population. Characterized by compulsions and obsessions, it can be a debilitating disorder, and there is no simple or guaranteed solution, with options including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and SSRIs. (1)

There is another potential solution, though: psychedelics. These medicines have been the subject of various promising clinical trials and could provide relief to those suffering from OCD.

So, what are those studies, what conclusions did they draw, and can psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin actually help with OCD?

The Neuroscience Behind OCD and Psychedelics

OCD has been linked to overactivity in the Default Mode Network (DMN), with research suggesting that individuals with OCD show increased internal processing in this area, which in turn may be connected to their urges and compulsive behavior. (2)

Interestingly, psychedelic medicines impact the same area and may be “capable of modulating the DMN”. In other words, OCD and psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin impact the same pathways, and psychedelics could help reset or rewire the brain and support individuals struggling with obsessive compulsions. (3)

Early Research and Emerging Evidence

Some of the earliest studies on psychedelics and OCD date back to the ‘60s and ‘70s. Researchers discovered that OCD symptoms were reduced in individuals who regularly sat with LSD.

These studies returned and while prohibition soon followed and effectively put a stop to large-scale research projects, it sparked back into life a couple of decades ago as the spotlight shone on psychedelic therapies once more. (4)

In 2006, for instance, researchers gave a total of 29 psilocybin doses to 9 participants presenting with OCD. All of the subjects displayed marked improvements in OCD symptoms, with a reduction of between 23% and 100% across the study group. Researchers concluded that psilocybin was “associated with acute reductions in core OCD symptoms”. (5)

A few years later, researchers gave psilocybin and an SSRI to marble-burying mice to determine how this combination impacted compulsive behavior when compared to other medications. The rodent subjects buried significantly fewer marbles during the study’s timeframe, which potentially means that psilocybin can reduce compulsive tendencies. (6)

Adam Strauss: From Debilitating OCD to Creative Liberation

In his one-man show, The Mushroom Cure, comedian Adam Strauss described how he used psychedelics to manage his OCD after being inspired by some of the studies and theories discussed above.

On an episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Strauss discussed his relationship with mushrooms as being a difficult one. Referencing a reviewer who wrote about his supposed love of mushrooms, Strauss responded by saying, “I don’t know if I’d say I love mushrooms. I respect them…They’ve never been particularly fun for me.”

Despite some difficult experiences, though, Strauss persisted, and while psychedelics didn’t cure his OCD, he does suffer a lot less than he did. His experiences also push home the point that psychedelics aren’t for everyone, nor are they something to be taken lightly.

A psychedelic experience can be emotional. It’s a mind-altering, life-changing experience, and if you’re not properly prepared, it may prove to be a difficult journey.

At the Psychedelic Coaching Institute (PCI), we always emphasize the importance of set and setting to mitigate the risks of bad experiences and ensure everyone who sits with psychedelics is 100% safe and ready for what’s to come.

Anecdotal Reports: Relief and Risk

The subject of OCD has been raised a few times in the Third Wave community, including this post from a member seeking help with OCD and depression. If you look over on Reddit, you can find several more experiences.

In one account, a forum user stated that they had been using psilocybin mushrooms to treat OCD for many years. Prior to that, they had taken citalopram, but it only made the symptoms worse. After sitting with psilocybin several times, they claimed that they were “practically cured”, declaring that psilocybin mushrooms had “hit a reset button in [their] brain”. They used very high doses and had a few scary trips along the way but concluded by saying they felt “healthier psychologically”.

Another user claimed that their OCD symptoms dropped significantly when they sat with psychedelics, while others reported improvements in their depression and anxiety, as well as their OCD symptoms.

Everyone reacts differently, though, and not all experiences are positive. Some users expressed concerns about individuals with anxiety and obsessive thoughts sitting with psychedelics, noting that it could put them in a negative headspace and amplify their intrusive thoughts.

Negative experiences are common, but they can be mitigated with proper preparation. Psychedelic practitioners should always assess their client’s well-being and mindset before any psychedelic experience, ensuring they have adequate care and support throughout the journey.

A Coach’s Role: Holding Space, Not Prescribing Solutions

A psychedelic integration coach is not there to cure OCD, and they shouldn’t attempt to make a diagnosis or prescribe a treatment. It’s their job to educate, encourage, and assist, and they can do this by providing scientific context, relaying personal experiences, and guiding the client through their journey.

The practitioner can encourage a client to discuss their goals while telling them what they can expect during their psychedelic journey. They can build resilience, discuss strategies, and work with the client throughout the integration stage. If there are any clinical issues, however, including OCD symptoms that present a serious threat to the individual’s health and well-being, the practitioner should always encourage clients to work with licensed therapists and other healthcare professionals.

PCI’s curriculum covers all of the ethical and moral responsibilities of working as a psychedelic practitioner, including harm reduction strategies and the use of referral networks.

The Future of Psychedelic OCD Treatment

Psychedelics have not been approved for the treatment of OCD, and the jury is still out on whether they actually benefit those suffering from this condition. However, the little research that exists, in combination with various anecdotal reports, suggests that a breakthrough is possible. Larger, longer-term studies are needed, but if psychedelics are combined with proper planning, preparation, and integration, they could prove to be a game-changer for treatment-resistant OCD.

If that happens, the role of psychedelic coaches and practitioners will become even more vital.

To join the psychedelic revolution and become a certified practitioner, check out the trainings offered by the Psychedelic Coaching Institute.