DMT Shows Promise as Innovative Therapy for Depression Treatment

Published: 26 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A recent phase II trial suggests that dimethyltryptamine, known as DMT, may offer a promising new treatment for depression. DMT is a psychoactive component traditionally found in the Amazonian psychedelic brew ayahuasca, which has long been used in ceremonial practices for emotional and spiritual healing. The trial, sponsored by the psychedelic pharmaceutical company Small Pharma, now operating as Cybin UK, was designed and executed under the guidance of Dr David Erritzoe, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at Imperial College London. The results of this research were published this month in the journal Nature, providing preliminary evidence that DMT could play a significant role in mental health therapy.

Seventeen participants received a single injection of a synthetic DMT compound developed by Small Pharma, while another seventeen received a placebo. All participants were given structured psychotherapeutic support before, during, and after the experience, ensuring they had professional guidance throughout. Two weeks following the intervention, those who received DMT reported notably greater reductions in depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group. This outcome highlights the potential for short-acting psychedelics to have meaningful effects on mood and mental health when combined with therapy.

Tommaso Barba, a PhD candidate at Imperial College London and one of the study’s authors, stressed the essential role of therapists in guiding participants. He explained that therapists helped patients prepare for the intensity of the experience and later assisted in integrating insights into daily life. Barba cautioned, however, that the trial was relatively small and preliminary, emphasizing the need for larger studies to confirm the results. “There’s still more to do, but it’s promising,” he noted, acknowledging both the potential and limitations of the current research.

Traditional ayahuasca ceremonies involve drinking a brewed tea made from plants containing psychoactive compounds and enzymes that slow their breakdown in the body. These ceremonies often induce nausea and vomiting, which are considered part of the cathartic process. By contrast, the synthetic DMT formulation used in this clinical trial produces a short but intense psychedelic experience lasting approximately thirty minutes and does not induce vomiting. This approach allows researchers to study the psychological effects of DMT without the physical discomfort that can accompany traditional ceremonies.

Dr Daniel Perkins, a senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne’s psychedelics research and therapeutics unit, noted that vomiting in ayahuasca rituals can have emotional and psychological significance. “People report that vomiting can be psychologically and emotionally cathartic, especially when processing trauma,” Perkins explained. He clarified, however, that overall therapeutic outcomes were similar between participants who vomited and those who did not, suggesting that vomiting is not essential for DMT’s antidepressant potential.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy, whether in traditional or clinical contexts, relies heavily on the presence of a facilitator. In ayahuasca ceremonies, support is provided through rituals, music, and chanting, while clinical trials use psychotherapeutic guidance to help participants navigate the experience safely. Both approaches aim to assist individuals in confronting emotional challenges and achieving meaningful insights. This combination of psychedelic experience and guided support is increasingly seen as a promising model for addressing mental health disorders.

The recent DMT trial follows the broader trend of exploring psychedelic compounds for psychiatric treatment. In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Spravato, a ketamine-based nasal spray, for treatment-resistant depression, marking the first psychedelic-adjacent therapy to receive regulatory approval. Ongoing trials are examining substances such as psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, and MDMA for their therapeutic potential. While MDMA-assisted therapy has shown promise in treating PTSD, the FDA has expressed concerns over ethics and data reliability, which has limited its approval.

Perkins highlighted a key distinction between substances like DMT and psilocybin compared to MDMA. Evidence suggests that DMT and psilocybin may confer therapeutic benefits even outside controlled clinical environments, whereas recreational MDMA does not appear to provide inherent mental health advantages. Moreover, MDMA can increase physical affection-seeking behavior, potentially complicating the therapist-patient dynamic. In contrast, DMT and psilocybin do not carry these same challenges, making them more suitable for guided therapeutic interventions.

Despite the encouraging results of the phase II trial, several practical hurdles remain. The FDA regulates drugs rather than therapies, which could incentivize pharmaceutical companies to minimise the psychotherapeutic component of psychedelic interventions. Although DMT therapy is comparatively brief, it still requires administration in a clinical setting via injection and with professional supervision. This may be less convenient for patients compared to conventional oral medications, and some individuals may find the intense psychedelic experience daunting.

Barba emphasized that DMT should not be considered a “quick fix” for depression. Instead, he described it as a catalyst that helps individuals recognise patterns and make necessary life changes. The therapeutic effect is often a combination of the psychedelic experience and subsequent work with a trained therapist, which can involve difficult but meaningful decisions. For instance, if a participant realises their work environment contributes to depressive symptoms, lasting improvement would likely require action, such as changing jobs, rather than relying solely on the substance.

Another important consideration is accessibility and societal readiness for psychedelic therapies. While interest in mental health treatments has grown globally, many healthcare systems are still unprepared to provide psychedelic-assisted therapy on a large scale. Specialized clinics, trained therapists, and regulatory oversight are necessary to ensure safety and efficacy. The recent DMT trial demonstrates both the potential of psychedelics and the complex infrastructure required to implement these treatments responsibly.

Experts agree that future studies should aim for larger participant groups and extended follow-up periods to better understand the long-term effects of DMT-assisted therapy. Measuring outcomes such as quality of life, social functioning, and relapse rates will be essential to determine whether these interventions offer durable benefits. Furthermore, research comparing different psychedelic compounds may provide insights into which substances are most effective for specific patient populations and mental health conditions.

Public perception also plays a crucial role in the adoption of psychedelic therapies. Historically, psychedelics have been stigmatized due to recreational misuse and legal restrictions. Clinical trials and carefully controlled studies help to distinguish therapeutic use from recreational contexts, building evidence for safety and efficacy. As understanding grows, societal attitudes may shift, creating opportunities for more widespread acceptance of DMT and similar compounds in psychiatric care.

The trial conducted at Imperial College London contributes to an emerging body of literature supporting psychedelic-assisted interventions. Its findings suggest that short-acting synthetic DMT, combined with psychotherapy, can reduce depressive symptoms in a controlled setting. While preliminary, these results are encouraging and provide a foundation for future investigations into the clinical potential of DMT. Researchers hope that, with additional studies and rigorous evaluation, psychedelic therapy could become a standard component of depression treatment protocols in the future.

Ultimately, DMT and other psychedelic compounds present a novel avenue for mental health treatment, blending neuropharmacology with psychotherapy. While challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles, patient accessibility, and societal acceptance, this research highlights the potential to expand depression treatment options. Careful clinical oversight, combined with ongoing research and patient-centred approaches, may allow these therapies to transform psychiatric care and offer relief for individuals who have not benefited from traditional antidepressants.

As research continues, the balance between psychedelic intensity and therapeutic support will remain central. The promise of DMT lies not in quick symptom relief, but in its ability to act as a catalyst for insight, emotional processing, and meaningful life changes. With continued clinical trials, robust safety protocols, and integration of therapeutic guidance, DMT could become an innovative and valuable tool in the evolving landscape of depression treatment.

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