Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy as a Treatment for Depression

Summary

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 300 million people. Despite available treatments, response rates remain modest, and treatment resistance is common. Novel treatments are needed that act rapidly, produce lasting effects and work differently than existing antidepressants. In clinical trials, psilocybin has shown promise as a treatment for depression due to its rapid onset of antidepressant effects and sustained benefits. This study will use MRI scanning of the brain and other biological measures (biomarkers) to investigate how psilocybin affects brain activity and psychological flexibility before, during, and after receiving psilocybin in participants with depressive symptoms.

Timeline

Start

2026-06

Primary completion

2031-06

Completion

2031-12

Publications

• Background Siegel JS, Subramanian S, Perry D, Kay BP, Gordon EM, Laumann TO, Reneau TR, Metcalf NV, Chacko RV, Gratton C, Horan C, Krimmel SR, Shimony JS, Schweiger JA, Wong DF, Bender DA, Scheidter KM, Whiting FI, Padawer-Curry JA, Shinohara RT, Chen Y, Moser J, Yacoub E, Nelson SM, Vizioli L, Fair DA, Lenze EJ, Carhart-Harris R, Raison CL, Raichle ME, Snyder AZ, Nicol GE, Dosenbach NUF. Psilocybin desynchronizes the human brain. Nature. 2024 Aug;632(8023):131-138. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07624-5. Epub 2024 Jul 17.

Drugs

Indications