Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP): protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial comparing meditation- and music-based programmes in healthy volunteers

TL;DR

This study tests a digital program to help people prepare for psychedelic experiences using either meditation or music.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel digital preparation program for psychedelic therapy and compares two delivery methods.

Findings

The trial will assess feasibility metrics like recruitment and retention.

It will evaluate the impact of meditation and music on psychedelic preparedness and wellbeing.

Exploratory data includes neuroimaging and real-time emotional tracking via a chatbot.

Abstract

Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise for treating various mental health conditions; however, its reliance on intensive psychological preparation limits its broader application. Digital health interventions have the potential to address this limitation by providing structured, accessible and scalable preparation solutions. This randomised controlled feasibility trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP), a 21-day mobile-accessible programme designed to prepare individuals for psychedelic experiences.

The study will recruit 40 non-treatment-seeking adults without a clinical diagnosis, randomly assigning them to one of two conditions: (1) DIPP-MEDITATE, which combines daily guided meditation with background music or (2) DIPP-MUSIC, which provides the same background music without guided meditation. Both groups will complete the 21-day digital intervention remotely. Following the intervention, participants will attend an in-person supervised psilocybin session, receiving a standardised 25 mg dose. Primary outcomes focus on feasibility metrics including recruitment efficiency, participant retention and adherence to the intervention protocol. Secondary outcomes assess subjective feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy, specifically evaluating psychedelic preparedness, the quality of the psychedelic experience and changes in wellbeing, with follow-up assessments at 2 weeks, and at 3, 6 and 9 months post-session. Exploratory measures include neuroimaging, physiological, cognitive and psychological assessments, as well as voice note experience sampling through a chatbot (referred to as ‘DIPP-bot’) to monitor inner speech, thought and emotional states during the intervention and follow-up periods.

Approved by UCL Research Ethics Committee (ID: 19113/003), this study follows the Declaration of Helsinki. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout.

NCT06815653.

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