Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Does Psilocybin Require Psychedelic Effects to Treat Depression?
Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Summary
Psilocybin, the chemical component of "magic mushrooms", has been administered with psychotherapy in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showing large and sustained antidepressant effects. In healthy volunteers, the psychedelic effects of psilocybin have been shown to be blocked by administration of serotonin (5HT)2A receptor antagonists such as risperidone. The purpose of this "double dummy" proof-of-concept trial is to evaluate whether psilocybin's antidepressant effects are dependent on its psychedelic effects. Sixty participants with treatment-resistant depression will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) Psilocybin 25 mg plus risperidone 1 mg; 2) Psilocybin 25 mg plus placebo; and 3) Placebo plus risperidone 1 mg. The investigator's hypothesize that the combination of psilocybin and risperidone will be well tolerated, safe, and will block the psychedelic effects of psilocybin in patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression.
Official title: Does Psilocybin Require Psychedelic Effects to Treat Depression? A 4-Week, Double-Blind, Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2023-07-01
Completion Date
2026-02
Last Updated
2025-04-25
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Psilocybin 25 mg
The psilocybin used in this study meets quality specifications suitable for human research use. The active drug is encapsulated using a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsule and contains 25 mg of psilocybin. The psilocybin will be administered once during the trial in combination with either risperidone 1 mg or place. It will also be administered in conjunction with supportive therapy.
Risperidone 1 MG
The risperidone is encapsulated using a cellulose capsule and contains 1 mg of risperidone. The risperidone will be administered once during the trial in combination with either psilocybin 25 mg or placebo. It will also be administered with supportive therapy.
Placebo
The placebo will be administered once during the trial in combination with either risperidone 1 mg or psilocybin 25 mg.
Locations (1)
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, Canada