Magic mushroom compound shows promise for depression in new trial
NCT ID NCT06746441
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This completed phase 2 trial tested whether psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) alone or combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with major depression. Sixty adults aged 18-70 with active depression took part. Researchers measured changes in depression scores, anxiety, and biological markers like brain chemicals and inflammation. The goal is to see if psilocybin can offer a new treatment option for depression.
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 from magic mushrooms)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to treat depression using psilocybin, possibly with fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 60 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Psilocybin can cause intense psychological effects and is not yet approved for 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
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Dec 2024
- Finished
-
Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 to 70 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * Individuals aged 18-70 years. * Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) according to DSM-V criteria. * Active depressive symptoms as indicated by a score \> 16 on the Hamilton Depression * Rating Scale (HAM-D) over the preceding two weeks. * Female participants of childbearing potential must be using a highly effective form of contraception and willing to maintain contraceptive use throughout the study period. * Participants must have been taking one SSRI antidepressant (e.g., citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine) for at least 6 weeks with at least 75% adherence. Exclusion Criteria: * Resting blood pressure \>140/90 (average of four separate measurements). * Risk of suicidal tendencies as indicated by a score of 3 or higher on item 3 of the HAM-D scale. * Use of multiple SSRIs or any antidepressant not specified in the inclusion criteria. * Presence of concurrent psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia). * Use of psychedelics or ketamine within the last 12 months. * Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or attempting to conceive. * History of substance abuse or alcohol use in the last 6 months. * Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., hypertension, stroke history). * History of seizures or epilepsy. * Diabetes (especially insulin-dependent).
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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
Locations
-
Lady Reading Hospital, Pakistan
Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 25000, Pakistan
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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