Magic mushroom compound could lift Veterans' depression
NCT ID NCT07226232
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can help veterans with depression that hasn't improved with at least two other treatments. 240 veterans will receive either psilocybin or a placebo in a controlled setting. The goal is to see if it reduces depression symptoms and to track any side effects.
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 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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About 240 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
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 to 75 years
- 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: * Veteran of the U.S. military who is English-speaking * Signed informed consent and HIPAA * Adults \</= 75 years of age * Meets DSM-5 criteria for current major depressive episode (MDE) * MADRS \>/= 20 at baseline * Failure to respond satisfactorily to \>/= 2 antidepressant treatments for \>/= 8 weeks, including \>/= 2 weeks at an adequate dose (\>/= 50% of the FDA-approved uppermost dose) for major depression. Augmentation with a medication for depression (e.g., neuroleptics, lithium, levothyroxine) is considered a separate course of treatment. * If applicable, concurrent \& permitted antidepressants must be at stable doses for \>/= 4 weeks prior to baseline (see allowed \& prohibited medication list) * Participants of child-bearing potential must have negative pregnancy test \& agree to adhere to a medically acceptable method of birth control during the study * Has a responsible adult who will provide transportation to the participant's home or place of lodging on the days of psilocybin administration Exclusion Criteria: * Lifetime bipolar, schizophrenia spectrum, or other psychotic disorders * First-degree relative with history of bipolar I, schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder * Presence of psychotic symptoms (e.g., MDE with psychotic symptoms) * Sedative-hypnotic, stimulant, inhalant and/or opioid use disorder within past 6 months (lifetime substance use disorder is allowed at the discretion of the LSI) * Severe alcohol and/or cannabis use disorder within the past 6 months (mild or moderate alcohol and/or cannabis use is allowed at the discretion of the LSI) * Lifetime hallucinogen persisting perception or hallucinogen use disorders * Use of psilocybin, ayahuasca, mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), peyote, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) within past XX months * Participant agrees to not use psychedelics (listed above) during the study, except as prescribed by the study protocol * Taking prohibited medication within 2 weeks of baseline (see allowed and prohibited concomitant medication list) * History of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) * Diagnosis of dementia or related progressive neurocognitive disorder * Suicidal ideation/behavior Type 4 or Type 5 intensity on C-SSRS within past 6 months of baseline * Psychiatric inpatient treatment within past 3 months of baseline * Treatment with electroconvulsive therapy, deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, or transcranial magnetic stimulation within 3 months of baseline * Implanted central nervous system device * Treatment with evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for MDD or PTSD within 2 weeks prior to baseline. If receiving EBP therapy, he/she must complete treatment at least 2 weeks prior to baseline. Other forms of non-EBP psychotherapy for MDD or PTSD are allowed to continue during the study period. * Pregnancy or lactation, or anticipated pregnancy or breastfeeding during the active treatment phase * History of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, brain cancer, stroke and/or severe cardiac disease * Clinically significant cardiac, pulmonary, renal, liver and/or other medical disease that, in the opinion of the investigator, may contraindicate the use of psilocybin, interfere with the interpretation of study results and/or constitute a health risk for the participant if they take part in the study * Seizure disorder, except for seizures due to fever or withdrawal from a substance * Clinically significant hypertension (\>160/95 mmHg), hypotension (\<90/60 mmHg) tachycardia (\>100 bpm at rest), QTc prolongation (\>450 msec men; \>470 msec women) or clinically significant arrhythmia on ECG * Clinically significant abnormal laboratory results on chemistry panel, liver function tests, complete blood count, and/or thyroid stimulating hormone * Positive urine drug screen for illicit drugs of abuse (except for THC) at screening or baseline * Prior allergic, adverse reaction or adverse experience to a psilocybin formulation * Litigating for disability income for a mental disorder outside the VA compensation and pension process
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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
5 sites. 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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Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
RECRUITINGBirmingham, Alabama, 35233-1927, United States
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Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-4551, United States
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Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL
RECRUITINGTuscaloosa, Alabama, 35404-5015, United States
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VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
RECRUITINGPortland, Oregon, 97207-2964, United States
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VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA
RECRUITINGSeattle, Washington, 98108-1532, United States
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