A new clinical study indicates that a single dose of the psychedelic compound dimethyltryptamine (DMT) significantly reduced symptoms in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Researchers at Imperial College London led the trial, finding that participants who received DMT experienced greater reductions in depression severity compared to those given a placebo.
DMT, a naturally occurring psychedelic found in various plants and animals, is known for producing brief but intense hallucinations and is the active ingredient in ayahuasca. While previous research has suggested DMT's potential in treating depression, placebo-controlled clinical trials have been limited.
The trial enrolled 34 patients with moderate to severe depression who had not found success with at least two prior treatments. Half received a single intravenous placebo, while the other half were given a 21.5 mg dose of DMT. Symptom severity was measured using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).
Two weeks post-treatment, the DMT group demonstrated a notable decrease in symptom severity. Remarkably, some participants reported sustained antidepressant effects six months later.
Lead study author David Erritzoe, PhD, stated these findings contribute to the growing evidence supporting psychedelic therapies for mental health disorders. The study was published in Nature Medicine. While no serious adverse events were reported, the researchers acknowledged limitations, including a lack of ethnic diversity and the exclusion of participants with a history of serious suicide attempts. Erritzoe noted that larger trials are necessary for further development of DMT therapy for depression.
He also suggested that ketamine-assisted therapy is a more accessible alternative for patients who have not benefited from existing treatments, while research into DMT therapy continues. Ketamine, while effective, requires careful administration due to potential risks.