Short-acting psychedelic DMT shows promise as a rapid treatment for major depressive disorder

DMT delivered intravenously is reported to show rapid antidepressant effects when paired with structured psychological support in a phase IIa trial of people with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The study included 34 adults who had already tried at least two prior treatments without success. Participants received a single 10-minute IV infusion of DMT or placebo, completed preparation sessions, and received therapist support during dosing and integration. Depression severity measured with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale improved faster in the DMT group than in the placebo group, with symptom reductions noted within about one week. Effects were sustained during follow-up for up to three months, and the treatment was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported and no increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Authors highlight that the therapeutic support framework appears integral, and that results are limited by the small sample size and potential unblinding due to obvious drug effects.