A Multi-site Randomized Controlled Trial of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) in Veterans
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
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.
Description
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a serious mental health problem in Veterans, frequently comorbid with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and in need of novel and effective treatments. Clinical studies have revealed antidepressant effects of psilocybin for depression in civilians, but less is known about its efficacy and safety in Veterans. Very limited data is available on the effects of psilocybin in the treatment of PTSD. Thus, it is important to evaluate the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in the treatment of TRD with and without PTSD among Veterans. The purpose of this multi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
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, concurren…
Interventions
- DrugPsilocybin
Psilocybin comparator dose
- DrugPsilocybin
Psilocybin Intervention Dose
Locations (5)
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, ALBirmingham, Alabama
- Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, ALTuscaloosa, Alabama
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, ORPortland, Oregon
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PAPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WASeattle, Washington