Role of Psychedelics in Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Abstract

There is increasing interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Classic psychedelics (such as psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca/DMT), and atypical psychedelics (such as ketamine) have been studied in TRD. The evidence for the classic psychedelics TRD is limited at the present time; early studies however show promising results. There is also recognition that psychedelic research may be subject to a "hype bubble" at the present time. Future studies focused on delineating necessary ingredients of psychedelic treatments and the neurobiological basis of their effects, will help pave the way for the clinical use of these compounds.

In the evidence

This study is part of the evidence base for 2 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.

• State of the evidence: DMT for depression ↕Mixed

  Evidence for classic psychedelics including ayahuasca/DMT in treatment-resistant depression is limited but early studies show promising results, and the field may be subject to a hype bubble.

  Synthesized October 22, 2026

• State of the evidence: MDMA for depression ↕Mixed

  Evidence for classic psychedelics in treatment-resistant depression is limited but early results are promising, and the field may be subject to a hype bubble.

  Synthesized October 22, 2026

Comparable studies

Other narrative reviews on DMT for depression, most cited first.