Y-BOCS
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale — the primary validated outcome measure used in OCD clinical research. Assesses symptom severity across obsessions and compulsions on a 0–40 scale (0 = no symptoms, 40 = extreme). A reduction of 35% or more from baseline is generally considered clinically significant. Used in all psilocybin OCD trials as the key efficacy endpoint. In the 2006 University of Arizona pilot study, participants showed 23–100% Y-BOCS reductions across dosing sessions. (Moreno et al., Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2006)
Full Explanation
Y-BOCS (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) is the primary validated outcome measure used in OCD clinical research. It assesses symptom severity across obsessions and compulsions on a 0–40 scale (0 = no symptoms, 40 = extreme). A reduction of 35% or more from baseline is generally considered clinically significant. Used in all psilocybin OCD trials as the key efficacy endpoint. In the 2006 University of Arizona pilot study, participants showed 23–100% Y-BOCS reductions across dosing sessions. (Moreno et al., Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2006)
See: OCD (/conditions/ocd).
Why It Matters
When reading psilocybin OCD studies, Y-BOCS is the main outcome — a 35% or greater drop indicates clinically meaningful improvement.
Explore More Terms
Psilocybin
A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms that produces altered states of consciousness.
Psilocin
The pharmacologically active compound that psilocybin converts to in the body, responsible for psychedelic effects.
Ego Death
A temporary dissolution of the sense of self during a psychedelic experience, often described as profound and transformative.
Set and Setting
The combination of mindset (set) and environment (setting) that shapes a psychedelic experience.
Microdosing
Taking sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin on a regular schedule for subtle cognitive and emotional benefits.
Mycelium
The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments that eventually produces mushrooms.