Magic mushroom compound tested for depression in new brain scan study
NCT ID NCT07582120
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.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jun 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age \> 18 years 2. Participants of childbearing potential must agree to practice 2 forms of effective birth control throughout the duration of the study 3. Females of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test at Screening and prior to dosing on Dosing Day 4. Diagnosis of depression at Screening via the SCID-5-CT interview and MADRS score of ≥7 5. Have an identified support person Agree to be accompanied home (or to an otherwise safe destination) by the support person, or another responsible party, following dosing Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to read or understand English 2. Is currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed within the study period 3. Has had Electroconvulsive Therapy, Transmagnetic Stimulation, Vagus Nerve Stimulation or Deep Brain Stimulation treatment within the last 12 months a. Participants with VNS or DBS devices in place- including devices that are inactive or turned off will not be eligible to participate in the imaging portion of the study 4. Is currently taking a medication on the prohibited medications list, such as heterocyclic (tricyclic, tetracyclic) antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), antipsychotic augmentation therapy, or is taking more than one medication for the treatment of depression: 1. Participants who are taking a single prescription medication for depression must be on a stable, minimally therapeutic/tolerated dose for at least 4 weeks prior to Screening. 2. Psychostimulants for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are allowed, if used at a stable dose or pattern for at least 6-weeks prior to Screening and not used on Dosing Day(s). 5. Has a primary psychotic disorder diagnosis 6. Has a first-degree relative with a known history of a psychotic disorder 7. Meets criteria for substance use disorder or diagnosis of substance use disorder within 6 months prior to Screening 8. Has an unstable medical condition or serious abnormalities of complete blood count, chemistries, or ECG, or taking medications that in the opinion of the study clinician would preclude safe participation in the trial 9. Is at risk for hypertensive crisis defined as: 1. BP at Screening AND Baseline \>140/90 mmHG 2. BP on Dosing Day prior to dosing \>140/90 mmHG 10. Has used a serotonergic hallucinogenic substance (e.g., psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), ibogaine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or other related substances) within 6 months of Screening. 11. Has a known sensitivity to psychedelic medications 12. Has a positive urine drug test including amphetamines, barbiturates, buprenorphine, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamine (unless prescribed), MDMA, methadone, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP) 13. Is at high risk for suicide (e.g., active suicidal ideation and or current intent or plan) and unable to be managed safely (i.e., unwilling to be hospitalized)
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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