Magic mushroom chemical under the microscope: can brain scans reveal how it fights depression?
NCT ID NCT06512220
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 25, 2026
Summary
This study uses brain imaging (PET scans) to explore how psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, affects brain connections in adults with treatment-resistant depression. Twelve participants will receive psilocybin, with or without risperidone, to see if changes in synaptic density relate to antidepressant effects. The goal is to understand the brain mechanisms behind psilocybin's potential benefits, not to test it as a treatment.
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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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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M6J1H4, Canada
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Psilocybin (25 mg) and risperidone (1 mg)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help explain how psilocybin improves depression, potentially guiding better treatments for people who don't respond to standard antidepressants.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early-phase study with only 12 participants, focused on imaging rather than treatment effects. It may not show clear results or lead to direct benefits.
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.