Magic mushroom compound tested for depression in new brain scan study

NCT ID NCT07582120

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study will test whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can help treat depression. Fifty adults with depression will receive a 25 mg capsule of synthetic psilocybin along with therapy. Researchers will use MRI brain scans and other tests to see how psilocybin changes brain activity and psychological flexibility. The goal is to understand how it works, not yet to prove it is a cure.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: psilocybin (synthetic, 25 mg capsule)
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could point toward a fast-acting, lasting treatment for depression that works differently from current antidepressants.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase pilot study with only 50 participants. It is designed to understand how psilocybin works in the brain, not to prove it is a safe or effective treatment. Side effects are possible, and results may not apply to everyone with depression.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DEPRESSION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.