Magic mushroom mystery: can psilocybin fight depression without the trip?
NCT ID NCT05710237
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can treat depression even when its psychedelic effects are blocked by another drug (risperidone). Forty-one adults with treatment-resistant depression received either psilocybin alone, psilocybin plus risperidone, or placebo plus risperidone. The goal was to see if blocking the 'trip' would still allow antidepressant benefits, helping researchers understand how psilocybin works.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) and risperidone (a drug that blocks psychedelic effects)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could help researchers understand whether psilocybin's antidepressant benefits come from the psychedelic experience itself or from other brain effects.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early proof-of-concept trial with only 41 participants. It is designed to test feasibility, not to prove effectiveness. Results may not apply to larger populations.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, M6J1H4, Canada