Mood Effects of Serotonin Agonists: Depression
University of Chicago
Summary
This study will examine the effect of a low dose of the 5HT2A agonist LSD (26 µg), compared to placebo, on acute and protracted mood states in individuals with depression. The investigators will assess the relationship between mood-related symptoms and EEG as a neurophysiological marker.
Description
Depression is one of the leading mental health disorders in the U.S, with an estimated 21 million adults having at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Existing antidepressant medications have limited efficacy, undesirable side effects and can take weeks to months to provide relief of symptoms. Compounds that modulate serotonin 2A receptor signaling have potential to elicit rapid antidepressant effects, and one promising example of these compounds is lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). There are widespread reports that very low doses of LSD improve mood and energy without produci…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * English Fluency * high school education or higher * BMI between 19-30 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * individuals with a medical condition contraindicating study participation as determined by the study physician (e.g., liver disease, abnormal EKG, liver or cardiovascular disease) * high blood pressure (\>140/90) * current suicidal ideation or suicide attempt in past 12 months * past year severe substance use disorder * personal or first-degree relative with history of psychosis * currently taking any psychiatric medication (for conventional antidepressants must be off for…
Interventions
- DrugLSD
The serotonin 2A receptor agonist LSD
- DrugPlacebo
Distilled water
Location
- University of ChicagoChicago, Illinois