Psilocybin for Veterans with Treatment-Resistant Depression
Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression
Recruiting
Phase 3Interventional Study
Major Depression
No Placebo Group
Every participant receives an active treatment — no one gets a placebo.
Pivotal Trial
This treatment is in the last trial phase before FDA approval.
Prior Safety Data
This treatment has already been tested in at least one earlier human trial.
Ready to participate?
Review the details below, then apply to join this clinical trial.
At a Glance
Age
18 – 75
Sex
Any
Trial phase
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Purpose
Treatment
Participants needed
240 (estimated)
Sponsor
VA Office of Research and Development · Federal
Who this trial is looking for
This trial is looking for U.S. military veterans experiencing major depression. Participants will take psilocybin and be monitored to see how it affects their condition.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
You may be able to join if
I am a U.S. military veteran.
I am between 18 and 75 years old.
I speak English.
I have major depression that has not improved with treatment.
I have tried at least 2 different antidepressants for at least 8 weeks.
I have a responsible adult who can drive me home on treatment days.
If I can have children, I will take a pregnancy test and use birth control.
You may not be able to join if
I have bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
I have a close family member with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
I have had psychedelic drug use or disorders in the past 6 months.
I have a history of severe traumatic brain injury.
I have had recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
I have a serious heart or lung condition.
I am pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
I have a history of severe allergic reactions to psilocybin.
Summarized in plain language from this trial's official eligibility criteria.
The full criteria are further down this page — only the research team can
confirm whether you qualify.
Think this trial could be right for you?
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may meet the eligibility requirements.
The purpose of this multi-site randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy and risks of psilocybin for the treatment of depression in U.S. military Veterans with and without (±) concurrent posttraumatic stress disorder.
Trial Locations
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Status
Eligibility Criteria
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 tre…
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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