Psychedelic research for veterans is gaining momentum under the Trump administration. The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching another federally backed clinical trial, this time examining psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression.
RELATED: The hardest part of a psychedelic trip might be what comes after
This month, the VA announced a new clinical trial examining the effectiveness of psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound in “magic mushrooms,” for veterans with depression. The randomized controlled trial will test two different dosages of synthetic psilocybin provided by Compass Pathways.
The trial, called “Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression,” or PIVOT, will be conducted at five VA hospitals across the country. Eligible study participants include veterans with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder who may also have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Far too many Veterans are living with mental health conditions that don’t respond to available treatments,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a news release.
RELATED: Here’s how America really feels about legalizing psilocybin
Collins added that the new study aligns with President Donald Trump’s directive to accelerate access to psychedelic medicines.
“Under President Trump, VA is pursuing all avenues to evaluate new treatments and offer meaningful relief for those who have worn the uniform,” he said in the release. “This clinical trial reflects another step toward this goal.”
The VA is currently involved in 20 active clinical trials of psychedelic compounds for various mental health conditions, according to the agency. In May, the agency launched a clinical trial focused on MDMA-assisted therapy. In that study, veterans with alcohol use disorder, PTSD, or other conditions will receive MDMA or a placebo before taking part in psychotherapy.
Millions of veterans struggle with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. However, psychedelic-assisted therapies remain largely inaccessible outside clinical trials. The VA trials could help determine whether psychedelic-assisted therapies offer another treatment option for veterans who have not responded to existing approaches.
