DMT Psychedelic Shows Promise as Depression Therapy in Clinical Trial
A phase II clinical trial has revealed that dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychoactive compound traditionally used in Amazonian ayahuasca rituals, may offer a promising new approach to treating depression. The study, sponsored and designed by the psychedelic pharmaceutical company Small Pharma (now Cybin UK) and led by Dr. David Erritzoe, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at Imperial College London, was published this month in the prestigious journal Nature.
Study Design and Key Findings
The trial involved 34 participants, with 17 receiving an injection of a synthetic DMT formulation developed by Small Pharma and 17 receiving a placebo. All participants were provided with comprehensive psychotherapeutic support throughout the process. Two weeks after the injection, researchers observed a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms among those who received DMT compared to the placebo group.
Tommaso Barba, a PhD candidate at Imperial College London and co-author of the study, highlighted the critical role of therapists in preparing patients for the experience, guiding them during it, and helping them integrate insights afterward. However, he cautioned that the trial was small and preliminary, stating, "There's still more to do, but it's promising."
Comparing Synthetic DMT to Traditional Ayahuasca
Traditional ayahuasca ceremonies involve drinking a plant-based tea containing psychedelic compounds and enzymes that slow digestion, often leading to nausea and vomiting. In contrast, the synthetic DMT used in this trial produces a short but intense 30-minute psychedelic experience without inducing vomiting.
Dr. Daniel Perkins, a senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne's psychedelics research unit, noted that vomiting in ayahuasca rituals can sometimes have cathartic psychological effects, particularly during trauma processing. However, his research suggests that vomiting does not significantly impact overall therapeutic benefits compared to non-vomiting experiences.
Therapeutic Context and Broader Psychedelic Research
Psychedelic-assisted therapy, whether using ayahuasca or clinical formulations like DMT, involves facilitators guiding participants through the experience to promote healing. While ayahuasca relies on rituals and chanting, clinical trials employ contemporary psychotherapy techniques.
This research aligns with growing interest in psychedelic treatments for mental health. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Spravato, a ketamine-based nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. Other substances under investigation include psilocybin (found in "magic mushrooms") and MDMA, though the FDA recently declined to approve MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD due to ethical and data reliability concerns.
Dr. Perkins pointed out that psychedelics like DMT and psilocybin may be more suitable for therapy than MDMA, as they show therapeutic potential even outside clinical settings and do not induce cravings for physical touch, which could complicate therapist-patient boundaries.
Challenges and Future Considerations
Despite promising results, several hurdles remain for psychedelic therapies. The FDA regulates drugs rather than therapies, which may lead pharmaceutical companies to minimize therapeutic components in future treatments. Additionally, DMT therapy requires clinic administration via injection with therapist support, which may be less convenient than pharmacy-based pills.
Barba emphasized that DMT is not a "quick fix" for depression but can act as a catalyst for personal change. Improvements often stem from combined efforts with therapists and the willingness to make difficult life decisions, such as leaving a stressful job. He also noted that not all patients may desire an intense psychedelic experience.
As research advances, this study underscores the potential of DMT as a novel tool in mental health care, though larger trials and regulatory developments will be crucial for its integration into mainstream therapy.
