Low-dose LSD for mood in depression
Mood Effects of Serotonin Agonists: Depression
This trial will test if a single low dose of LSD (26 µg) can quickly improve mood, anhedonia, and sleep in adults with major depressive disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT07017478 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This early-phase, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial gives a single low dose of the 5-HT2A agonist LSD (26 µg) or placebo to adults with major depressive disorder and measures acute and short-term mood changes. Participants undergo mood ratings and EEG recordings to examine neurophysiological correlates of mood response. The protocol includes eligibility screening, a monitored dosing session, and follow-up assessments over the subsequent days to track protracted effects. Safety exclusions include recent substance use disorder, psychosis risk, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, and current use of psychiatric medications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with major depressive disorder who are English-fluent, have at least a high-school education, BMI 19–30 kg/m2, are off psychiatric medications as required, and meet the medical and psychiatric safety criteria would be appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: People with a personal or first-degree family history of psychosis, recent severe substance use disorder, active suicidal ideation, pregnancy or planning pregnancy, uncontrolled hypertension or other medical contraindications are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a rapid, short-term improvement in mood, anhedonia, and sleep with minimal hallucinogenic effects at very low doses.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled data from the investigators showed short-term mood enhancement and improvements in anhedonia and sleep for up to two days after a single low dose, but larger confirmatory trials are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 ≥ 2 weeks) * active panic disorder * severe obsessive-compulsive disorder * severe post-traumatic stress disorder * women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- University of Chicago — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hanna Molla — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hanna Molla
- Email: hmolla@uchicago.edu
- Phone: 7737023560
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.