Microdosing magic mushrooms: could tiny psilocybin doses soothe End-of-Life anxiety?

NCT ID NCT04754061

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 10, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether very small, daily doses of psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) can safely reduce anxiety and depression in people with advanced illnesses receiving palliative care. Twenty participants will take oral capsules (1-3 mg per day, Monday to Friday) for four weeks. The trial focuses on safety, feasibility, and finding the right dose, while also measuring changes in mood and well-being.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: psilocybin (microdose)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to reduce psychological distress in people with advanced illness, improving their quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is an early, small study (20 people) testing safety and dosing, not yet proven effective. Side effects like mood changes or blood pressure shifts are possible.

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, ANXIETY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Depression

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION, ANXIETY DISTRESS, EMOTIONAL

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Locations

Bruyere Continuing Care

Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6K9, Canada
The Ottawa Hospital

Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada

More trials for these conditions

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