Investigating how psychedelic agents can help reverse depression-related behaviors using EEG biomarkers.
Official title: Determining the efficacy of psychedelic agents reversing depression-relevant amotivated behaviors with concomittant EEG biomarkers.
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10799340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain psychedelic substances might help people with major depressive disorder feel better by changing behaviors linked to depression, and it could lead to new treatments that really work for those struggling with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $237,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH135378-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10799340 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded to conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depressive symptoms or those who have not been diagnosed with major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential of psychedelic agents to alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) by reversing behaviors associated with depression. It employs a novel approach that combines behavioral assessments and electroencephalography (EEG) to evaluate the effects of these agents on depression-relevant behaviors in both humans and animal models. By focusing on specific manipulations that induce depression-like behaviors, the study aims to identify effective treatments that target the underlying mechanisms of MDD. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to more effective therapies for depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, targeted treatments for patients suffering from major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using psychedelic agents for treating depression, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Jared William — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Young, Jared William
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.