Magic mushroom compound may quiet the depressed Brain's endless Self-Criticism
NCT ID NCT06247839
First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Summary
This study investigates whether a single dose of psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, can reduce rumination—repetitive negative self-focused thinking—in people with major depressive disorder. Researchers will use brain scans to see how psilocybin changes activity in brain networks linked to self-related processing. The trial enrolls 20 adults with moderate to severe depression and measures changes in rumination, depression severity, and brain connectivity over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a single dose of psilocybin (COMP360)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to treat depression by targeting rumination and self-focused thinking.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Psilocybin can cause intense psychological effects and is not yet approved for depression.
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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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
RECRUITINGCharlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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