Single dose of potent psychedelic drug could help treat depression, trial shows

DMT-assisted therapy shows rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in a small clinical trial for major depressive disorder. The study involved 34 people with moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression. Participants received psychotherapy and were assessed over time after a single intravenous DMT dose or a placebo infusion. DMT produced significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms, with benefits lasting about three to six months, and some patients reported continued improvement six months later. In a later stage, researchers found no added advantage for patients who received two total DMT doses, suggesting a single dose may be sufficient. The report also compares DMT to psilocybin, noting DMT tends to produce a shorter, more intense trip, and highlights regulatory and rollout concerns around psychedelic use in private clinic settings.