Co-production of psychoeducation tools for people with anorexia nervosa undergoing psilocybin assisted psychotherapy

The project will co-design psychoeducation materials for people undergoing psilocybin assisted psychotherapy (PAP) for the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN).

There has been rapid advancements in the implementation of PAP for diverse mental health conditions globally. Navigating a psychedelic experience is daunting, unfamiliar, emotionally intense and a highly personalised process. The integration sessions following the dosing are different to standard therapy with an emphasis on overall well-being and reliance on rapport. People seeking PAP are classified as treatment resistance and chronic, seeking relief from alternative therapies. Media stories may influence perceptions and expectations towards PAP, which are important factors to global changes. Therefore, considering the complexity of the treatment and patient vulnerabilities, it is deemed appropriate and necessary to provide comprehensive psychoeducation to people undergoing PAP. Yet, comprehensive and co-designed tools have not been developed.

The project will co-design psychoeducation materials through workshops with:

1) clinicians and researchers experienced in PAP,

2) people with AN who have completed a PAP trial, and

3) people with AN seeking PAP in a trial.

The materials will consist of multi-modal outcomes, inclusive of an education booklet and video, which will condense complex and nuanced information into comprehendible and relatable concepts. The materials will be piloted in an ongoing trial of PAP for people with AN. The implementation of the materials will be evaluated (e.g., acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity).

The project aims to improve patient education, awareness and readiness for PAP, whilst developing tools for widespread and transdiagnostic adoption, through further iterations.