VA Launches Psilocybin Trial for Veterans With Treatment-Resistant Depression
VA has launched a randomized clinical trial of psilocybin for veterans with treatment-resistant depression, including those with PTSD, following an executive order to accelerate psychedelic treatments.
The randomized, controlled trial will enroll veterans diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, with or without concurrent PTSD, and will compare outcomes between two psilocybin dosage levels. The trial follows a recent executive order on "Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness," which aims to increase clinical trial participation and accelerate innovative research models and drug approvals for psychedelic drugs.
In the study, researchers will assess participants' depression levels before and after treatment, tolerability of side effects, and overall patient-reported depression. The VA is also involved in 20 active clinical trials focused on psychedelic therapies for mental health conditions. All VA research, including research into psychedelics, is conducted under strict safety protocols and in full compliance with federal guidelines.