Status:

RECRUITING

Antidepressant Response of DMT Masked With Propofol

Lead Sponsor:

University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

Conditions:

Major Depressive Disorder

Psychedelic Experiences

Eligibility:

All Genders

21+ years

Phase:

NA

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to elucidate if the anti-depressive effect of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is based on a biological mechanisms including neuroplasticity and anti-inflammatory effect or due to...

Detailed Description

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects nearly 20% of people, but current treatments-both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic-have limited efficacy, especially for mild to severe cases. Psychedelics...

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

  • Participants must meet DSM-5 criteria for MDD of at least moderate severity (MADRS\>20).
  • Participants either currently do not use antidepressants or are treated with a stable dose for at least 4 weeks prior to randomization.
  • Age ≥ 21 years old.
  • Sufficient understanding of the German language.
  • Able to understand the study procedures and risks and willing to adhere to the protocol and sign the consent form.
  • Willing not to drive or operate heavy machinery on the treatment day.
  • Willing to refrain from more than 7 standard alcoholic drinks a week, more than 10 cigarettes a day, more than 2 cups of coffee a day, and any illicit substances during study participation.
  • Willing to use effective contraceptive measures throughout study participation.

Exclusion

  • Past or present bipolar or psychotic disorder, including depressive disorder with psychotic features.
  • First-degree relative with a psychotic or bipolar disorder.
  • Significant prodromal psychotic symptoms (Prodromal Questionnaire-16 symptoms ≥ 6).
  • Psychiatric condition judged to be incompatible with establishment of rapport with study team members and/or safe exposure to DMT, e.g. diagnosed or suspected borderline personality disorder.
  • Current post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress reaction due to a traumatic event.
  • Post-partum depression.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Current or recent history of significant suicide ideation or suicide behavior within the past 6 months.
  • Current severe substance use disorder other than nicotine.
  • Planned ketamine, other psychedelic, or electroconvulsive treatment or any such treatment within the past 3 months.
  • Any lifetime use of DMT, use of any other psychedelics within last 3 month or lifetime use of any other psychedelics more than 15 times.
  • Patients who are treated with neuroleptics or known antagonists of 5-HT2 receptors or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and are not able/willing to pause.
  • Increased risk for adverse reactions to propofol or soja products.
  • Increased risk for aspiration.
  • Increased risk for difficult mask ventilation.

Key Trial Info

Start Date :

August 5 2025

Trial Type :

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation :

ESTIMATED

End Date :

March 1 2029

Estimated Enrollment :

112 Patients enrolled

Trial Details

Trial ID

NCT06927076

Start Date

August 5 2025

End Date

March 1 2029

Last Update

August 12 2025

Active Locations (1)

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1

University Hospital Basel

Basel, Switzerland, 4031