CompletedEarly Phase 1

Mood Effects of Serotonin Agonists: Depression

United States41 participantsStarted 2025-06-09

Plain-language summary

This study will examine the effect of a low dose of the 5HT2A agonist LSD (26 µg), compared to placebo, on acute and protracted mood states in individuals with depression. The investigators will assess the relationship between mood-related symptoms and EEG as a neurophysiological marker.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 40 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * English Fluency * high school education or higher * BMI between 19-30 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * individuals with a medical condition contraindicating study participation as determined by the study physician (e.g., liver disease, abnormal EKG, liver or cardiovascular disease) * high blood pressure (\>140/90) * current suicidal ideation or suicide attempt in past 12 months * past year severe substance use disorder * personal or first-degree relative with history of psychosis * currently taking any psychiatric medication (for conventional antidepressants must be off for ≥ 2 weeks) * active panic disorder * severe obsessive-compulsive disorder * severe post-traumatic stress disorder * women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Acute Mood Measures

Timeframe: Peak change (~2 hours post-drug) from pre-drug baseline

Acute Mood Measures

Timeframe: Peak change (~2 hours post-drug) from pre-drug baseline

Delayed Mood Measures

Timeframe: Change from baseline (orientation) to 48-hour followup

Effort expenditure for reward (EEFRT) Behavioral Task Performance

Timeframe: 2 hours post-drug administration

Sleep Quality

Timeframe: Change from baseline (pre-drug) to Night 0, 1, and 2 post-drug

Sleep Quality

Timeframe: Change from baseline (pre-drug) to Night 0, 1, and 2 post-drug

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07017478

SponsorUniversity of Chicago

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-06-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More LSD trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 40 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Acute Mood Measures

Timeframe: Peak change (~2 hours post-drug) from pre-drug baseline

Acute Mood Measures

Timeframe: Peak change (~2 hours post-drug) from pre-drug baseline

Delayed Mood Measures

Timeframe: Change from baseline (orientation) to 48-hour followup

Effort expenditure for reward (EEFRT) Behavioral Task Performance

Timeframe: 2 hours post-drug administration

Sleep Quality

Timeframe: Change from baseline (pre-drug) to Night 0, 1, and 2 post-drug

Sleep Quality

Timeframe: Change from baseline (pre-drug) to Night 0, 1, and 2 post-drug