Psilocybin treatment for patients with severe depression
Official title: Psilocybin-assisted Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Patients Hospitalized for Treatment-resistant Depression: an Open-label Feasibility Study with an Experiential and Systemic Focus
Run by University Hospital, Ghent · NCT06378229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if psilocybin therapy can help hospitalized patients with severe depression who haven't found relief from other treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 21, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 19, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06378229 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who have not responded to multiple antidepressant treatments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with psychotic features or those who are not medically stable may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the safety and feasibility of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for hospitalized patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Participants will undergo a structured program that includes preparatory therapy sessions, two psilocybin sessions, and follow-up integration therapy. The study aims to assess both the psychological and neurological effects of this treatment approach over an 8-week hospitalization period, followed by outpatient consultations. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how psilocybin can aid in treating severe depression in a clinical setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new therapeutic option for patients with severe depression who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with psilocybin in treating depression, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18 years or older. 2. Diagnosis of major depressive disorder (single and recurrent episodes) of moderate to severe degree (MADRS score ≥ 20) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), without psychotic features. Included ICD-11 diagnoses are ICD-11: 6A70.1, 6A70.3, 6A71.1, 6A71.3. 3. Subjects have failed to respond to 2 or more antidepressants prescribed at the minimum effective dose for at least 6 weeks. Augmentation with an add-on treatment counts as a second treatment. 4. The subjects are abstinent from alcohol (breathalyzer blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level 0.00) and provide a negative urine drug screen at the dosing day. 5. The female subjects provide a negative pregnancy test at the dosing day. 6. The subjects must be medically stable based on clinical laboratory tests, medical history, vital signs, and 12-lead ECG performed at screening. \- In 12-lead ECG, QTcF should be ≤ 450 ms for males or ≤ 470 ms for females and PR-interval \< 220 ms at screening. 7. A partner is willing to participate in the study (a cohabiting relationship of at least 1 year). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Currently comorbid or previously diagnosed DSM-5 diagnosis of a 1. major depressive episode with psychotic features. 2. psychotic disorder (defined as meeting DSM-5 criteria for any psychotic disorder) on the MINI 7.0, EXCEPT substance/medication induced psychotic disorder where the duration was limited to the acute period of direct intoxication with the substance/medication. Positive diagnoses on the MINI will be subject to confirmation at clinical interview by a psychiatrist. 3. bipolar disorder (defined as meeting DSM-5 criteria for bipolar type 1 or bipolar type 2) on the MINI 7.0. Positive diagnoses on the MINI will be subject to confirmation at clinical interview by a psychiatrist. 4. drug or alcohol dependence syndrome (defined as meeting DSM-5 criteria for any dependence syndrome) on the MINI 7.0. Positive diagnoses on the MINI will be subject to confirmation at clinical interview by a psychiatrist. 5. cluster B personality disorder. Subjects will be screened for the presence of those personality traits by using the NEO-FFI-3. 6. PTSD (defined as meeting DSM-5 criteria for PTSD) on the MINI 7.0. Positive diagnoses on the MINI will be subject to confirmation at clinical interview by a psychiatrist. 2. A family history (first-degree relative) of psychosis and/or bipolar disorder. 3. Current active suicidal ideations. 4. Depression secondary to other medical conditions. 5. Medical diagnosis incompatible with psilocybin treatment: 1. Cardiovascular conditions: recent stroke (\< 1 year from signing of ICF), recent myocardial infarction (\< 1 year from signing of ICF), uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure \> 140/90 mmHg) or clinically significant arrhythmia within 1 year of signing the ICF. 2. Uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. 3. Uncontrolled epilepsy. 6. Biochemical or electrocardiographic abnormalities determined as clinically significant by a medical doctor. PsiHos-D, Version 2.1 dd. 22/02/2024 page 59 of 114 TMP\_Protocol AGO CTR\_Version 1.0\_Effective Date 2022-07-18 7. Current intake of Lithium, Disulfiram, MAOIs or inhibitors of UGT1A9 and 1A10. 8. The subject has received any prior treatment with vagal nerve stimulation, or a deep brain stimulation device. 9. Women of childbearing potential not using adequate contraception (methods that can achieve a failure rate of less than 1%: combined hormonal contraception, progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation, intrauterine device, intrauterine hormone-releasing system, bilateral tubal occlusion, vasectomized partner, sexual abstinence). A woman is considered of childbearing potential (WOCBP), i.e. fertile, following menarche and until becoming post-menopausal unless permanently sterile. Permanent sterilization methods include hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy and bilateral oophorectomy. A postmenopausal state is defined as no menses for 12 months without an alternative medical cause. 10. Pregnant or breast-feeding women. 11. Those unable to give informed consent. 12. Those enrolled in another trial.
Where it's running
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Ghent University Hospital
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gilbert Lemmens, Prof. dr. — University Hospital, Ghent
- Study coordinator: Cisse Geleyn, dr.
- Email: cisse.geleyn@uzgent.be
- Phone: 003293328742
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.