Magic mushroom compound targets Depression's blahs in small trial

NCT ID NCT06230757

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This small pilot study tested whether a single 25mg dose of psilocybin, given with psychological support, could help people with treatment-resistant depression who still struggle with anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure or interest. Twenty adults took either the full dose or a very low 'active placebo' dose. Researchers measured changes in self-reported anhedonia scores over time. The study is already completed, and results may show whether this approach is worth testing in larger trials.

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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

Locations

  • University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

    Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

psilocybin (a psychedelic compound)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new way to treat the loss of pleasure and interest (anhedonia) that often doesn't improve with standard antidepressants.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 20 people, so results may not apply broadly. Psilocybin can cause intense psychological effects and is not yet approved for depression.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anhedonia Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.